The Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, which was built with money donated by a British philanthropist Sir Rupert Briercliffe in the 1980s but has stood in ruins for about a decade, is being demolished. Photo: VINO

The infrastructure and integrity of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall were further damaged in the two category-five hurricanes of 2017. Photo: VINO

Demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Friday, July 19, 2024. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said today, July 19, 2024, there is no timeline for a new and improved structure following the demolition of Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. Photo: Facebook

For now, the site will be used as a staging ground for materials for the ‘coming soon’ construction of the new Althea Scatliffe Primary School aka ‘Mighty Mighty Scatliffe’, according to reports.

In 2019, then Minister for Education and Culture Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) told the public that the structure known to many as the 'Culture Centre' would have been demolished and replaced by a performing arts facility.

The now Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Wheatley said today, July 19, 2024, there is no timeline for a new and improved structure.

“We have started stakeholder consultations” on having a multi-purpose facility, including a library, performing arts centre and museum, Dr Wheatley stated at a press conference today.

“But we are still in the conceptual stage,” he added.

Sir Rupert Briercliffe

Sir Briercliffe was knighted by King George V in 1919. He came to the Virgin Islands in 1957 and he resided in Pasea Estate on the main Island of Tortola until the time of his death on December 2, 1975. He was 86 years of age.

The funeral of Sir Briercliffe was held at the St George's Anglican Church, Road Town, and his remains were interned in the church's cemetery. It is our understanding that he was a wealthy man and left a fortune, around several hundred thousand dollars (in 1975), most of which, according to reports, was for community purposes on behalf of the people of the [British] Virgin Islands.