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ANSA McAL vows Chateau Margot Chimney will stand tall amid mall project
(Kaieteur News) – One day before President Irfaan Ali turns the sod to kickstart construction of a mega mall next to the historic, Chateau Margot Chimney, located on the East Coast Demerara, Trinidad conglomerate ANSA McAL has broken its silence insisting that the heritage site will be protected.
The historic Chateau Margot Chimney
The company made the comments in a statement issued on Wednesday, which it said was in reaction to public concerns that the construction of their new commercial mall at Chateau Margot could endanger one of Guyana’s surviving colonial-era relics. ANSA McAl earlier this week notified the media of the sod-turning ceremony.
In addition to allaying concerns about possible structural damage to the chimney, the company clarified that the Chateau Margot Mall is being built on a privately owned land and that the historic Chateau Margot Chimney a protected national heritage site remains under state control. “From the outset, ANSA McAL has placed the preservation of the chimney and its surroundings at the forefront of this project,” the company said in a press release. “We are proud to show that progress and preservation can go hand in hand honouring Guyana’s past while building responsibly for the future.”
The company emphasised that no construction has begun, with current activities limited to clearing and landscaping. It said construction will only commence after structural assessments and reinforcement measures recommended by an independent engineer are fully completed. According to the release, Guyanese structural engineer Marcel Gaskin has been contracted to conduct a professional assessment of the historic chimney’s stability and provide technical recommendations to safeguard the site. “All recommendations from that assessment will be implemented before construction begins,” the company assured.
The firm added that it has been in continuous consultation with the National Trust of Guyana and other state agencies to ensure heritage preservation remains central to its plans. The company noted that the project aligns with the company’s broader commitment to “responsible, sustainable progress” and reflects continued confidence in Guyana’s economic future.
The Chateau Margot Chimney, a vestige of the once-thriving sugar plantation predated Guyana’s independence. Some heritage enthusiasts in the past have accused developers of ignoring historical preservation laws and proceeding without sufficient environmental or cultural safeguards. ANSA McAL however assured: “We continue to work closely with the State, the National Trust of Guyana, and relevant ministries to ensure the chimney remains a safeguarded and celebrated landmark for generations to come.” “We recognise the chimney as tangible cultural heritage and are committed to preserving it throughout the project’s lifecycle,” the statement said.
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