21 minute read
Pont Colliche
THE CONTRACTORS
• Rihoy & Son • A7 Design • CBL Consulting • Henderson Green • WT Partnership • Sexton Green • Norman Piette • Pulse Mechanical and Electrical • Westglass 2000 • P3 Facades and
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Interiors • DW
Stonemasons • Bob Froome and
Sons
they use, which means they’re cheaper households to run.”
To prevent the homes from becoming under-ventilated, an unwelcome side-effect of air tightness, the properties are fitted with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, which provide fresh filtered air into the buildings, while extracting stale air. This prevents the build-up of moisture and airborne pollutants.
“We want our homes to be energy efficient, from an environmental perspective, but it’s also very much about keeping costs down for residents,” said Andre.
The location of the 2,600 sq.m. site posed particular technical challenges. There is no main drain in the Saltpans Road - it is about 50 metres away from the site, and connecting to it was made all the more tricky by the amount of underground service cables. Digging the road up wasn’t an option.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE ANOTHER 34 HOMES BEING BUILT FOR RENT AND PARTIAL OWNERSHIP PURCHASE ACROSS THREE SITES. “We used horizontal directional drilling, which required specialists from the UK. To put it simply, we drilled a hole and pulled the pipe through,” said Robin.
By a stroke of luck, the UK specialists completed their work and left Guernsey just two days before the island went into lockdown.
“Stopping work for two months wasn’t ideal. It’s not that easy to just stop a job and then jump back on,” Robin said.
Work on Pont Colliche started on 29 October 2018 and finished in July 2020. In addition to lockdown, delays were also caused by particularly severe weather during the winter of 2019/2020.
“The weather was horrendous. We couldn’t get the render done or take the scaffolding down. It was so wet we couldn’t get the external envelope finished. The bad weather set us back about six weeks. So between that and lockdown, it was slow going. That said, we’re extremely happy with the finished build.”
Pont Colliche, which is named after an old footpath that existed between the main island of Guernsey and the then separate Clos du Valle, is not the only major development the GHA hopes to complete this year.
Clos Carre, Route des Clos Landais in St Saviour’s, comprises of 17 bungalows and houses, and it’s hoped residents can moved in by Christmas. As for 2021, there are further projects in the pipeline at Vallee Vinery, St Martin’s and Longfield, St Peter Port.
“We currently have another 34 homes being built for rent and partial ownership purchase across three sites,” said Steve Williams, chief executive of the GHA.
GHA DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2020:
• Pont Colliche, Saltpans Road,
• Le Grand Courtil, St Martin’s:
Two new extra care apartments created within the existing extra care building with one apartment completed in
March and the second in
June, plus improvements to a residents communal room.
• Shamrock Cottage, Les
Mouilpieds, St Martin’s: an existing three bedroom bungalow being modernised and scheduled to be ready to rent by October.
• Clos Carre, Route des Clos
Landais, St Saviour’s: 17 bungalows and houses, with 10 for rent and seven for partial ownership, now due to complete in December 2020.
• Likely completions in 2021:
Vallee Vinery, St Martin’s: 16 houses, with nine for rent and seven for partial ownership, due to complete by May/June 2021.
• Longfield, Maurepas Road,
St Peter Port: Six houses, with two for rent and four for partial ownership, likely to be completed autumn 2021.
D&PA adopts Strategy for Nature
The Development & Planning Authority (D&PA) has adopted Guernsey’s Strategy for Nature Framework Document as Supplementary Planning Guidance. reached, insofar as is lawful and proportionate under the Land Planning and Development (Guernsey) Law, 2005 and the relevant provisions of the Island Development Plan (IDP).
Supplementary Planning Guidance are documents covering a range of subjects which are provided for under the IDP, or another statutory plan, which give additional guidance for development on specific sites or particular issues. They assist developers, applicants and planning officers in discussions prior to the submission of planning applications and provide a context for the evaluation of planning applications.
This means the Strategy for Nature can now be taken into account when decisions on individual planning applications are being Climate change mitigation is a planning consideration through IDP policies and the purposes of the Land Planning and Development Law (2005) include ‘to preserve and promote biological diversity’. Adopting the Strategy for Nature as Supplementary Planning Guidance therefore supports these existing policies and legislation and gives further consideration to the natural environment in the development and planning process.
Deputy Dawn Tindall, president of the D&PA, said: “This is a great example of how the ongoing review of States’ strategies can inform the interpretation of the IDP policies. We are, therefore, as a Committee very pleased to be able to adopt this Strategy to enable the promotion of the protection of our unique natural environment here on Guernsey.”
DLM expands team
Hirzel Street acquisition for CIPF
DLM Architects has appointed Part 1 Graduate Oliver Toussaint to the Guernsey firm. Oliver graduated from The University of Plymouth this year and impressed the team during a two week placement where he showcased his creative and technical abilities. He now joins the team as a Part 1 Architect.
Oliver said: “I am a person that is passionate about design and love to solve problems in a creative way. I wanted to work for DLM as they take a modern and sustainable approach towards architecture, breathing a breath of fresh air to Guernsey’s architecture scene. I am excited to continue my architectural education alongside such a knowledgeable team.” Managing director David De La Mare said: “We are delighted OIlie has joined the team. We offered a number of graduates placements this summer, with the disruption caused by Covid, the quality of Part 1 graduates was very high. Despite this Ollie really stood out. He showed high technical and creative ability during his placement and was also a great fit in the team. He joins DLM at time when we have a number of large and exciting projects, so we look forward to him starting his architectural career with us.”
The Channel Islands Property Fund has acquired the Valley House office building in Hirzel Street for £7.7 million. The building, which spans 14,782 square feet, five floors and 20 parkingspaces, will be the headquarters of Oak Group Limited.
“Valley House is a modern office which has been comprehensively upgraded in the last year to meet the latest building requirements,” said Shelagh Mason, chairman of CIPF. “It is an ideal property to add to the portfolio of the Channel Islands Property Fund, which has a focus on investing in high specification commercial buildings. “2020 has not been the year which was expected for the Channel Islands property market, but it’s positive to see that the residential market is picking up pace and that there is increasing activity in the commercial market.”
CIPF’s portfolio includes offices in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Guernsey commercial property specialist, Watts Property Consultants, has appointed chartered building surveyor and RICS registered valuer, Mark Johnson, to expand the firm’s service offering. In his new role, Mark will enable the firm to offer building consultancy, building surveying and contract administration services. He will also support the property management team and bolster the firm’s valuation services.
Mark brings 23 years’ post qualification experience to the team and has worked as a building surveyor and valuer in Guernsey since 1994.
Managing director, Joanna Watts, said: “We’re so pleased to bring Mark on board. His extensive experience will be invaluable in developing our service offering and supporting the team as we look to capitalise on new opportunities within the Channel Islands’ property market.
Modernisation of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital
Guernsey’s Committee for Health and Social Care (HSC) has reached another milestone in its PEH modernisation programme of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH). HSC has now reached the point in the programme where a preferred design has been selected and planning applications are being drafted. The first clinical areas are due to open in 2022 and the hospital is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
The programme aims to resolve pressing clinical needs faced by the hospital in its current layout and will be in phases to minimise disruption to the site but still deliver within a relatively short timeframe - seven years in total.
Phase 1 includes the development of the critical care unit into a larger, more flexible unit; a refurbished post anaesthesia care unit (theatre recovery); new storage and chance facilities for theatres; and infrastructure “Advising our clients when selling, purchasing, letting, valuing, developing and managing commercial property is a complex and multifaceted process. Being able to offer these services and combined expertise under one roof will make the process far more seamless for our clients.”
Mark said: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining the business. Watts Property has an excellent reputation as a client focused and innovative business. It’s great to be part of this and I’m looking forward to developing their building consultancy and surveying services, as well as supporting the property management and valuation teams as they continue to grow.”
works including drainage, medical gases and electricity supply.
Jan Coleman, director of hospital modernisation, said: “Building a hospital is an extremely complex programme and I am grateful to the staff from HSC and the MSG who have contributed so far to the various discussions and workshops that have resulted in the preferred design being identified.
“A major capital project of this nature will act as a significant stimulus to the local economy and is a key element of the island’s Covid-19 recovery strategy. Specialist hospital development will require off-island expertise but will be supported by the local construction companies and will benefit the local economy.”
share my knowledge and build on the excellent work that has already been done by Paul and the team here. I look forward to working with the management team to facilitate the company’s future business strategy,” said John.
NP Group appoints new CEO
The NP Group has announced John Bampkin as successor to Paul Rogers as group CEO.
The NP Group has announced John Bampkin as successor to Paul Rogers as group CEO. John has many years’ experience in the builders’ merchant sector and an excellent commercial track record. He joined the NP Group following his most recent role as regional director of Jewson – one of the UK’s largest chains of building trade merchants.
“I’ve been in the building trade business for all of my career, my last position with Jewson involved responsibility for circa 150 branches. To come to the NP Group will be a fantastic opportunity for me to understand the business, Paul will remain with the group in a consultancy capacity and as a non-executive director. During his tenure, the NP site in Guernsey has been substantially redeveloped with the wider Group also going from strength to strength. Paul said: “It has been a privilege to head up the NP Group during a period of huge change and I relish the prospect of assisting in taking forward the Group’s exciting plans for Jersey.”
Ferbrache & Farrell expand UK real estate team
Livingroom expands its open market team
Experienced property lawyer Anna Douglass has joined Ferbrache & Farrell’s UK real estate team as counsel. She moved to the firm from Collas Crill, where she spent more than six years working as a senior associate with primary responsibility for UK residential property transactions.
Anna deals with all aspects of security work for private offshore banks, individual investors and asset managers in refinance of property portfolios. A dual Polish and British national, she also deals with all work relating to residential UK property, including investment buy-to-let property, new build developments, new lease work and work to rectify and extend old leases.
“Ferbrache & Farrell has built a fantastic reputation within the industry and I am excited to join such an experienced and well-respected property team. This is a great opportunity to grow the UK real estate practice here,” said Anna.
Head of Ferbrache & Farrell’s property department, Alastair Hargreaves, said: “Local property sales have seen an unprecedented spike since lockdown restrictions were lifted. We are also seeing very positive signs in the UK real estate, particularly as regards overseas investment. The addition of Anna to our team is hugely beneficial – she is very experienced and well-regarded. We are delighted to welcome her to Ferbrache & Farrell.”
Livingroom Estate Agents has appointed Amanda Duke to its open market team in Guernsey.
Livingroom’s Guernsey team works across the island’s local and open markets, in both sales and lettings, and Amanda will be bringing her expertise to the open market, joining director Jason Hyland and Livingroom’s founder, CEO Simon Torode.
Following the introduction of phase five of Guernsey’s lockdown exit programme, prospective island residents, who can buy on Guernsey’s open market, are allowed to visit the island for viewings under its ‘business tunnel’ policy. Livingroom’s team is also able to conduct video viewings for those who can’t, or don’t wish to, travel.
Simon welcomed Amanda to the Livingroom team and said that she is joining at the perfect time: “Amanda joins us at a time of exceptional market activity so her experience in people-facing roles will be invaluable as we manage huge demand.
“The open market is equally as busy as the local market at the moment so growing the team is a logical step and the latest part of our growth journey in the Channel Islands. Amanda is a welcome addition to the team and I know that our clients are going to enjoy working with her.”
Amanda said: “I’ve always had a real passion for property so I’m delighted to join Livingroom, which has such a strong reputation on the island and further afield. It’s a fascinating time for the housing market so I’m very much looking forward to meeting vendors and buyers and getting to work in such a dynamic role.”
Further expansion at Cooper Brouard
Cooper Brouard is continuing its planned growth with the appointment of an additional lettings and property management negotiator.
Ross Yeates has joined the business, bringing with him over 10 years’ experience of local rentals and management.
He said: “The thing I love about lettings and property management is that it is so varied, not just in the people you deal with but in the skills you need to draw on. It’s about being able to move quickly but pay attention to detail; to work with landlords and with tenants; negotiate firmly but be understanding of diverse situations and employ broad local knowledge as well as specific property expertise. “Cooper Brouard has a reputation for getting that mix just right, their hard work and exceptional service is driving their growth in this area, it’s an exciting time for them and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Director Cathy Gallienne said: “We are very fortunate to be able to draw on Ross’ skills and experience at a time when we are seeing increased activity and business demand among the properties we are letting and managing. We know that he shares our company values of delivering a personal and tailored service to our clients and he will be playing a pivotal role in the future growth of the lettings and property management team.”
Customer Service appointment at Skipton
Shane Konken has been promoted to head up Skipton International’s customer service team. a Guernsey online retailer and he now feels the time is right for him to spearhead the organisation’s customer service. He said: “I am hugely fortunate in that Skipton International has a great infrastructure and key products to work with. As a people person, this is the ideal role for me.
“My key goal is to improve and streamline our existing processes to make them even more customer friendly than they already are. With such a strong team behind me, and ongoing professional training support, I am excited to see what the future holds.”
Shane succeeds Kim Helmot, who is looking forward to retirement. Kim is a familiar face to callers at the Guernsey office, having worked for Skipton International for 13 years.
She was promoted to Customer Service Manager five years ago, something she says was a highlight of her career: “Having been with the organisation for so many years, I have been lucky enough to enjoy plenty of highlights. Receiving a diverse range of training courses has enhanced my skills and I was delighted to have been made manager five years ago. I will miss the regular customers and my amazing team greatly.”
Shane started his career at Skipton in 2016 following 10 years as operations manager at
Fitness hub to launch in Guernsey
A planning application to develop the Channel Islands’ first multi-tenancy premium fitness destination at the Island Bowl site on Victoria Avenue has been approved.
Development work is set to start on Rock Health soon, with local building and property specialists already contracted to work on the seven-figure project.
The design-led fitness hub, which is set to open its doors in 2021, will comprise seven contemporary exercise studios, modern and luxurious changing facilities, a relaxation lounge area and extensive parking.
Guernsey-based commercial property specialists Watts Property Consultants acted as acquisition agents and are now instructed in the lettings, with 45 per cent of the scheme already under offer.
Luke Daynes, from Rock Health, said: “We’re thrilled to move forward with our plans to make Rock Health the Channel Islands’ first multi-tenancy fitness destination.
“We have already had a very strong response from local and international fitness brands, who have been attracted by the centre’s contemporary design, convenient location and its potential as a premium community fitness hub.”
Jo Watts, Managing Director at Watts Property Consultants, said: “It’s exciting to be working with Rock Health on such a unique project. It has been an unsettling time for the construction industry but the scale of this development is a really positive story for the local economy and shows that Guernsey is very much open for business.
“We have an active community in Guernsey and many islanders participate in sport and fitness activities. Rock Health offers fitness professionals and businesses the type of premium premises they need to grow their brand, in an environment which is purposebuilt for their needs and those of their clients. There is a real shortage of premises for the leisure industry in Guernsey and to have a product which ticks all the boxes will be a tremendous asset to the island as a whole.”
The eight local market flats that are located on-site will be retained.
St James switches to electrical heating
St James Concert and Assembly Hall in St Peter Port has taken its first steps to realising carbon neutral status by switching to electrical heating in the 200-year-old building.
The initial stage has been completed and involved replacing two oil-fired boilers for the main hall and fitting electrical radiators and a heated air distribution system.
Designed by local chartered consulting engineers, Henderson Green, and installed by Phase, who part-sponsored the works, the hall is now heated by imported, lower carbon electricity.
The first part of the project has come to fruition following fundraising by the St James Jubilee Foundation together with a small grant from the States of Guernsey.
Jon Bisson, executive director of St James, said: “We are very excited by this recent development as moving from oil to electricity reduces our heating costs and carbon footprint. The work was also scheduled so that we were still able to operate and keep the doors open to the public whilst the installation took place.”
Vince Smith, head of energy solutions, Guernsey Electricity, said: “It was a fantastic project to be involved in and we are pleased to help this large community space transition to electricity, particularly as the supply is now from 100% renewable sources.”
The project’s second phase will see the Dorey Centre also converted to electrical heating.
Celebrating
YEARS OF TRADING
What does the future hold?
As DHS celebrates its 50th anniversary in Guernsey, managing director Martyn Duquemin considers its most unusual year yet, and stresses the importance of supporting local businesses through these turbulent times.
From its humble beginnings, operating out of a small store in St Peter Port, DHS has been trading in the Channel Islands since 1970. Since then much has changed for the business. We are now trading out of a 40,000 sq. ft. storage facility with a multi-million pound turnover, have a large retail showroom and can boast some of the most experienced staff in our industry.
DHS is an award-winning business, having won the Brand of the Year Award within our own National Group and taking the accolade of Industry Supplier of the Year at the Guernsey Property and Construction Awards in 2018. Our business continues to grow year on year and over the last five years we have expanded into building materials as well as the plumbing, heating, bathrooms and tiles that we are best known for.
This year has special meaning for all at DHS as it marks our 50th anniversary, something that we were all looking forward to celebrating with our customers. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we have had postpone most of the plans that we had in place but hopefully we can return to them when things get back to normal.
Without a doubt, this year has been the most unusual trading year that many of us have ever experienced. At the end of April, one full month into the lockdown many of us had no real understanding of what the future held; some industries such as hospitality possibly still don’t. However, during this difficult time one thing has been clear, the islands are a great place to do business. They are a safe place to live and work and a stable environment which seems to avoid the large peaks and troughs seen in other jurisdictions.
The States of Guernsey has handled the pandemic brilliantly and so far business within the building industry appears to have continued as before. The housing market is also thriving which is a positive sign as these two industries often go hand in hand. In our opinion, the key to ensuring that the States’ ‘Revive and Thrive’ strategy is successful is that we all need to protect local businesses and encourage everyone to buy local whenever possible, including the States of Guernsey itself.
The High Street has been shrinking for many years, we have seen many big names go into liquidation over the past few years and I am sure that there will be many more to follow. The internet is having a detrimental effect on many industries and the merchant industry is no different. The perception from many is that the cost is lower on the internet but this is not always the case. Granted the ease of researching and the speed of deliveries is very tempting but at what cost to the island? Fewer jobs, less income tax take, less choice, and more waste.
DHS carries almost £2m. worth of stock, giving our customers a huge choice. Our products are supported by local service engineers should anything go wrong with them and, above all else, we offer a free advisory service which is second to none and a fully insured design service - something you will very rarely find on the internet.
Investing in a new bathroom or heating system is a big decision for most of us, so when you do invest, you want to make sure the quality is right. True, you don’t want to overpay - but make no mistake, low quality products are a bad investment. DHS is a proud local business offering some of the best brands at competitive prices and a backup service that is second to none.
We thank all our customers for their continued support and we look forward to serving the islands for the next 50 years and beyond.
