Limestone kiln launched to aid heritage restoration in Antigua and Barbuda

A newly constructed limestone kiln has been launched in Antigua to support the restoration of historic buildings and sites across Antigua and Barbuda.

The kiln, located at the Harrison Centre, is expected to produce traditional lime mortar for use in conservation projects nationwide. The initiative aims to revive historic construction techniques that were widely used before the introduction of modern cement.

The project is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Culture, Youth and Sports Division, the UK-based Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery, and the Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority.

Officials said the kiln will play a key role in training students and craftsmen in heritage skills, while also supporting ongoing restoration work at several historic locations.

The kiln measures 48 inches square and is capable of producing around 10 feet of lime, which can be used quickly once fired. Lime mortar, unlike cement, allows historic buildings to “breathe” and is considered more suitable for preservation work.

Speaking at the launch, project partners highlighted the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge and equipping young people with specialised skills in conservation, masonry and restoration.

Organisers said the kiln fills a long-standing gap in Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage sector, where lime mortar had previously been unavailable, forcing restoration teams to rely on less suitable modern materials.

The project is expected to strengthen efforts to protect the country’s historic structures while creating new opportunities for education, training and cultural preservation.

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