A taste of Japan as the new restaurant opens its doors
The coastal location sees fine dining meet fine design
A new era for the island’s heritage department store
Celebrating the successes of the industry in the island
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EDITOR
Tamara Timothy editor@gpcmagazine.com
Matt Collas matt@rockandsmall.com
Rock and Small Limited info@rockandsmall.com
Guernsey Property and Construction is produced by Rock and Small Limited.
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Welcome to the autumn/ winter edition of the Guernsey Property and Construction magazine. We always aim to showcase a wide range of projects within the magazine, highlighting what’s happening throughout the island and the industry. This issue, however, has had a very particular focus.
Japanese restaurant Fukku has been a noticeable presence in St Peter Port for a few years, with the izakaya’s graphic branding a lively addition to the historic Arcade. Now that outlet has closed its doors, re-opening in the former Post Office building in Smith Street. Its new home certainly feels like a significant evolution for the restaurant, and you can find out more about the project on p.18.
Out of town, new establishment Vraic is aiming to put Guernsey firmly on the fine dining scene. Renowned Welsh chef Nathan Davies has made the island his home, and drew plenty of inspiration from it when it came to designing his menu and his restaurant. Take a peek inside in our feature on p.12.
While islanders will probably save Vraic for a special occasion, the new café at Les Cotils is hoping to appeal to all sections of the community. The historic
conservatory has been fully renovated and restored to provide a welcoming new space in a very scenic setting. Find out what was involved on p.30.
While there were times putting this issue together that I felt more like a restaurant reviewer than a magazine editor, there is also plenty of non-food related content to enjoy throughout the pages. I was particularly interested to see the first phase of the major Creasey’s project open for business. If you haven’t yet been in to 13 High Street, discover ‘Chapter One’ of the development on p.4.
Alongside our project features, you will find the usual commentary from our wide range of industry experts. From the amalgamation of the GCF into the GBTEA, and the relaunch of RIBA in the island, there’s plenty to read about in those columns from p.52.
As always, we hope you enjoy the magazine – and do get in touch if you have a project, a person or simply an idea you think we should feature, we’d love to hear from you.
Tamara Timothy Editor
Prominently positioned along St Julian’s Avenue, it is difficult to miss the transformative refurbishment which is underway at Arnold House.
By repositioning it as a modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible office building, it is due to set a new benchmark for sustainable real estate in the Channel Islands.
Guernsey’s first BREEAM In-Use Excellent rated building
The top two floors are available to let: 6,000 sq ft and 5,200 sq ft respectively
Improvements include:
• Energy Efficiency - new air conditioning system reducing energy consumption by 40%
• Sustainable Transport - storage for 50–60 bicycles plus showers
• Façade Upgrade - the building’s exterior has a fresh modern look
• Enhanced Workplace Environment - focus on well being
Contact jo.watts@watts.property or wing.lai@watts.property or call the office on 01481 740071 for further information.
18
04 Creasey’s
The doors have opened to ‘Chapter One’ of the heritage department store’s new era
12 Vraic
Fine dining meets fine design in the new home for renowned chef Nathan Davies
18 Fukku
The former izakaya is all grown up as Japanese cuisine comes to Smith Street
24 Market Roof
Restoring the roof of the listed structure posed plenty of challenges for the team involved
26 Industry News
From planning applications to new appointments, we round up all the industry news in the island
30 Les Cotils
The renovation and rebuild of the historic conservatory now offers a welcoming new café
36 Property & Construction Awards
All the winners from the night celebrating the best of the island’s industry professionals
40 Bunker Six Eighty One
This complex renovation of a German bunker into accommodation earned A7 national recognition
42 Le Rondin School Library
Providing a fit for purpose facility to inspire students and staff at the school
44 Rock Business Centre
New industrial spaces designed to meet the needs of the island’s businesses
47 Work in Progress
From supermarkets to shelters, we have the updates from sites around the island
52 Industry Updates
From the UK-based CIOB and APM to local groups such as the GBTEA and GOSHA, industry bodies showcase their expertise
58 Build for Good
When the Guernsey Counselling Service needed a new home, The Drawing Room and Rihoy’s stepped in
60 James Langlois
The Guernsey-raised architect being recognised internationally for his inspiring student project
The first stage of the Creasey’s department store redevelopment has been opened to the public. ‘Chapter One’ of the ongoing project has seen 13 High Street become part of the existing Creasey’s flagship at 15-19 High Street – adding a contemporary appeal to the heritage store. But with another two phases of the project still to be completed, customers have plenty more to look forward to.
FROM A STRUCTURAL PERSPECTIVE IT WAS FAIRLY COMPLICATED, BUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNER HAS DONE A GREAT JOB ON MAKING QUITE A STATEMENT WITH IT TO MERIT THE WORK THAT HAS GONE INTO IT.
With ‘Chapter One’ unveiled, the public has now had the chance to see some of the work that has gone into creating the new-look Creasey’s. But for those involved with the multi-million pound development, it was actually the third stage of the project, which has seen 13 High Street demolished and rebuilt before the final connection was made through to the original Creasey’s building.
For managing director, Jonathan Creasey, it’s been a long journey to get here: “When I looked back, I sent the first email regarding this project to the design team on 6 December 2017, so it has certainly taken some time to get to this stage. There were a number of factors that have influenced that – in particular three years of delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, not only restricted building work in the island but seriously affected the retail industry. This is a significant investment in Guernsey’s High Street, so we needed to have the confidence to take it forward.”
With Jonathan and the rest of the Creasey’s team fully committed to the project, work properly started on site in 2023 – with the former HSBC building demolished by main contractor Rihoy & Son. Contracts manager, Jean du Plessis, said it has been a challenging project both technically and logistically: “We were dealing with a sixstorey building in the very heart of St Peter Port. On one side we had the High Street and on the other the quayside, so there was no working space at either side of the building.
We had different trading entities on each side [Creasey’s and Marks & Spencer], which meant we needed to liaise with two different sets of staff and management.
“Aside from the difficulties of the location, the project itself was demanding for our team. We demolished a six-storey building and then rebuilt it to connect into the main Creasey’s store – but nothing in the original building lined up with its neighbour. From a technical point of view, one of the major challenges was the three large escalators which came from the UK and that we needed to install. While everything had been measured and checked thoroughly, the tolerances for installing those were very small, so it was a huge relief to get them in safely.”
As well as the escalators, the newly installed staircase on the quayside of the building is both a practical solution and a design statement. Architect Andrew Male of Lovell Ozanne has been working on the project for years and said the stairway is not as simple as it looks: “We’ve built a brand-new staircase within the footprint of what was there, but it’s really quite a complicated structure. We started the staircase at the quayside level, but as it goes up the building it moves over to make use of the cantilevered bay at the front of the building and allow for more floor space. From a structural perspective it was fairly complicated, but the interior designer has done a great job of making quite a statement with it to merit the work that has gone into it.
“As well as the staircase, we have done a considerable amount of work to the lift in the building. We were able to repurpose a surplus lift from the neighbouring M&S store, which was hugely helpful, but it still involved a significant amount of complication to remove the former lift and then reverse the structure and break through from the shaft to the other side of the building. On the positive side, the work has meant that Creasey’s now has a fully part M compliant lift which has met all accessibility requirements on each floor.”
With that work on 13 High Street completed, attention turned to the renovation of the upper floors of the original store – formerly the café and office space, they have been upgraded to temporarily house the womenswear and lingerie departments to enable work to progress on their former floors.
WE WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WE, AND ISLANDERS, WOULD BE PROUD OF.
We’re delighted with what’s been achieved so far, and look forward to working with Rihoy & Son through the next stages of the development. Jonathan Creasey, Managing Director, Creaseys
We don’t just build for clients – we build with them. Let’s build together.
For those visiting the new store, one of the most noticeable features is the exposed wall of 13 High Street. Its striking design immediately commands attention – which was exactly what those responsible were hoping for.
“Retail design relies on enticing people through a building, especially with a store such as Creasey’s which has relatively small floorplates over a number of levels,” said Jonathan. “Escalators are the obvious option to move people around, but you want to make that travel part of the experience. We originally looked at plasterboard and paint for that wall but not only would the maintenance have been very difficult, it wouldn’t have had the visual impact we wanted.”
Instead, the designers suggested embracing the imperfections of the existing wall and making a significant feature of it. Wooden and metal sheets drop down on different planes and at different drop heights – exposing much of the original granite while adding an unusual contemporary design.
It’s something Jonathan is delighted with: “As the granite work was exposed during the renovation, we realised that much of it was really lovely quality and merited being seen. There were also sections of original red brick which added interest and reflected the building’s history. Once we knew the quality of the granite, we then used the wood and metal to disguise any significant imperfections and add more interest to the area. Altogether, it’s now a very eye-catching addition and something we’re really proud of.”
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For managing director Jonathan Creasey, the approach of the opening date meant excitement but also a lot of complicated logistics. Both departments managed to restrict their closures to just one week as they moved into their new homes, but it took a huge amount of organisation: “As we came towards the end of this phase, people kept referring to it as a Chinese puzzle, which was a very appropriate analogy. Every aspect had to be considered in a 3D sense – each floor needed to be addressed on its own, but also in its relationship to the floors above and below. It was ridiculously complicated. At the same time as keeping the worksite separate from the retail trade, we needed to consider access to the buildings and our customers, staff, and stock. It was quite a juggle as we got closer to the opening but I’m delighted that everyone worked together to achieve it.”
Now opened, Creasey’s says that the public reception to the project has been very positive. For Jonathan, it justifies the investment and energy that’s been put into it: “As we’ve developed the project, we have made a significant effort to ensure it felt high-end and contemporary. We wanted to create something that we, and islanders, would be proud of. We’ve chosen some really lovely finishes and tried to craft something special and I think it’s worked.
Since the first phase has opened, we’ve had a huge amount of praise from customers about the new store.”
But while customers are enjoying the newly opened areas, this is just the first customer-facing chapter of the project. The rest will be completed in two stages, with departments moving around the building to continue trading while work progresses.
For Jean and his team, that meant there was no time for a break as they pushed onto the next phase: “As soon as the womenswear and lingerie departments moved out, we immediately started work stripping out levels one and three of the store. As well as the general strip-out to renovate the spaces, we also need to remove the lift shaft and staircase on levels zero through to three. That will then enable us to open up the floorplates and connect the spaces.”
The £12m project is then due to complete by next autumn, setting the heritage store up for a bright future. But the contemporary look for Creasey’s won’t come at the expense of its past – with plans to showcase original features of the building and store along with story boards to highlight the history of this fifth-generation family business.
Consultants:
Lovell Ozanne Architects
Lyons Sleeman Hoare
Dorey, Lyle & Ashman
Henderson Green
Davies Associates
Main contractor:
Rihoy & Son
Contractors: Access
ASR
Baudains Access & Storage
C8
CES
Channel Welders
Colin Churchill
Concrete Solutions
Dowding Signs
DW Stonemasons
Firesafe
Geomarine
GFF
HG Plastering
Interior Systems
Kone Escalators
Kone Lifts
Luxury Work Surfaces
Ounsworth
P3
Paint Evolution
Pete Fletcher
POS
RLR
Salisbury Glass
Sarnian Refrigeration
Sarnian Roofing
Scarred Steel
Solent Fire
Stainless Steel
Fabrications
Tarmac Services
The Garage Door Co
Timber & Damp Proofing
Specialists
UK Service Lifts
Situated on Vale’s Chouet headland, Vraic takes fine dining to a new level in the island. But while chef Nathan Davies’ attention to every detail in his food is expected, he has been just as passionate about the environment he has created in his restaurant. Every facet of Vraic has been carefully considered to reflect its island location and its unique offering.
WE VIEWED AROUND TEN SITES IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE ISLAND BEFORE WE SAW THIS, AND WE IMMEDIATELY SAW ITS POTENTIAL FOR OUR RESTAURANT. IT’S BY A BEAUTIFUL BEACH, IT HAS CAR PARKING, AND WE KNEW IT COULD WORK FROM A LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONAL POINT OF VIEW.
When Nathan Davies was offered the opportunity to work in Guernsey, he and wife Hollie decided it would be a good fit for their young family. But while the island’s produce offered plenty of potential, he knew they would need to find the right location to make the restaurant work:
“We viewed around ten sites in different areas of the island before we saw this, and we immediately saw its potential for our restaurant. It’s by a beautiful beach, it has car parking, and we knew it could work from a logistics and operational point of view.
“We liked the fact the restaurant was down at a lower level as it meant that we could create a really lovely private space despite the fact it’s in a relatively busy area – and we had the upstairs terrace to take advantage of the views. The building was also a good size for what we wanted to offer. We didn’t want a large restaurant with 200 covers – we wanted to create something small and intimate.”
That’s exactly what Nathan and his team have achieved – a 24-cover restaurant that offers one lunch and one evening sitting four days per week. But the relatively small size of the restaurant didn’t mean any lack of attention to detail.
For Nathan, it was all about creating the right environment for all visitors: “It needed to feel special but it also needed to feel very relaxed and welcoming. I wanted it to be somewhere you could take your wife, your mum and your nan and nobody would feel out of place. But while we weren’t aiming for it to be trendy, we certainly wanted it to feel very contemporary. You won’t find white starched table cloths and bright lights here – we want it to be a comfortable space, which is very attractive without detracting from the food, which should be the main draw.”
With the food the focus, Nathan was clear from the start that he wanted an open kitchen for diners to be able to see him and his team at work. In the relatively small space available, a good design was crucial: “The kitchen is the focal point of the restaurant and our customers can see the inner workings of almost everything we are doing, it’s very transparent. We used specialist suppliers, Greens Kitchens, to design and deliver the kitchen.
“I didn’t want something that looked like a big commercial kitchen with heavy stainless steel cladding everywhere, so the kitchen design was very important. While we serve a relatively few number of covers, we have a high volume of plates through the kitchen due to the number of courses we offer – up to a thousand plates a day. We therefore needed everything to work well in the small space while looking really appealing, and we’re delighted with what’s been achieved.”
Designer Adam Tibbatts from Tibbatts Abel worked closely with Nathan on the project. For Nathan, it was important to have someone on the team who had the right experience: “We used a commercial designer with a focus on restaurants and hotels rather than an interior designer as
we knew that would bring some significant benefits. Adam and his team understood that what we created needed to look lovely on day one, but also have plenty of longevity. Restaurants are notoriously tough on fixtures, fittings and decoration so we needed robust commercial solutions that also looked great.”
Adam’s specialism in hospitality projects meant that he knew the first priority was to fully appreciate how Nathan would be using the space: “We needed to really understand his approach to the restaurant to be able to achieve what he wanted.”
“He is so passionate about his product that it was clear the theatre of the kitchen would be the focal point of the restaurant and would serve as the backdrop to everything else. We also considered how he cooks and reflected that in our design. So elements such as the charred ember timber cladding on the walls reflect his approach of using open fire to cook with.”
That cladding also sits well with the restaurant’s significant use of natural materials and muted colour palette. For Adam, it was the right approach for the space and location: “We wanted to use natural materials throughout the restaurant to reflect the island’s environment. We’ve sourced a really unique waney edge timber flooring with a wave that creates a softer line than traditional straight boards and echoes its seaside location. That wave pattern has also been reflected in the bespoke seaweedinspired chandelier which is one of the main design features in the room. Finally, we’ve also incorporated terracotta tiles on the wine feature to add natural colour as well as texture to the space.”
The focus on natural materials has extended to the furniture. Outside on the patio, the seating has been crafted by a local tree surgeon, while inside the unusual vanity units have been designed to make use of a fallen tree.
Nathan’s culinary roots may be Welsh, but his aim with Vraic was to also highlight the very best of Guernsey. The name of the restaurant itself derives from the Guernésiais word for seaweed, which has served as inspiration and ingredient for Nathan’s menu. He has worked closely with local suppliers to source produce as locally as possible, whether farmed, fished or foraged.
Along with the food, the restaurant reflects its island location through subtle design features such as the seaweed-inspired chandelier which is a prominent addition to the space.
WE WANTED TO USE NATURAL MATERIALS THROUGHOUT THE RESTAURANT TO REFLECT THE ISLAND’S ENVIRONMENT.
While the use of colour and materials was crucial, so too was the lighting scheme, which has been carefully considered for the space. During the renovation it was decided to replace all of the glazing at the front of the restaurant, which allows a significant amount of natural light into the building. Adam said that allowed them to create even more atmosphere with the interiors: “Because of the natural light coming in, the colours we used inside could be darker and moodier, which adds to the atmosphere. The lighting scheme has been designed to create the same feeling in the restaurant no matter the time or weather.”
With time tight to get the restaurant open to take advantage of some of the summer season, building contractor Rihoy & Son was on a very restricted timeframe. Construction director Robin Le Page said that offered challenges, but ones they could rise to: “It was an exciting and challenging project with which to be involved. There is a lot of complexity and detail in what is a relatively small space, all of which needed to be completed in a short programme. The project was just three months from the start of the fit-out to furniture installation, with the restaurant opening only two weeks later.
“Our surveying team also had to be on top of procurement on this project with a number of decisions on products being made as the design developed, requiring quick action in sourcing some unusual materials. There were a number of really interesting elements from Tibbatts where a conceptual design was provided, but with the end solution needing to be brought to life by our site team and tradesman. It is always much more rewarding for us as a contractor to solve problems, help develop ideas and overcome challenges.”
While the food is the focus inside the restaurant, the renovation also paid significant attention to the outside of the building. From the welcome sign hewn from locally quarried Guernsey granite, to the seating carved by an island tree surgeon, the attention to detail is obvious. Nathan is now hoping that what he’s created will not only be enjoyed by islanders but attract new visitors to Guernsey to appreciate his cooking and his new island home.
Rihoy & Son
Tibbatts Abel
Bonsai
C8
DWA
Firesafe
Greens Kitchens
Guernsey Glazing
PD Morgan
The island’s new Japanese restaurant may be housed in a protected building steeped in local history, but its modern approach to dining has taken inspiration from around the world. Fukku combines Japanese simplicity with rich details to create a unique space in St Peter Port.
For proprietor Sam Jarrold, the approach to Fukku was clear. Its former iteration in the Arcade had been a fun ‘izakaya’ inspired space – designed for quick meals and takeaway options. Its primary colours and use of bold graphics had suited it well, but with the new restaurant, it was time for Fukku to evolve.
“While we have kept a large part of the menu, and obviously the name, the restaurant itself is very different,” said Sam. “We wanted this to feel sophisticated and modern, while recognising the Japanese traditions that influence the food. The space needed to feel peaceful and calm, acknowledging Japanese culture, while also giving the chefs a chance to showcase their craft.”
That is done through the open kitchen, which is the focal point of the main dining space and reflects the traditional Japanese approach to restaurant design. With seating at a bar facing directly into the main kitchen space, it allows the customers and chefs to interact at eye level.
Architect Chris Martel of StudiO was responsible for the design: “We were able to use ramping within the space to allow those eating at the kitchen bar to be on standard height chairs rather than the high level bar stools which are more commonly used. It is an unusual approach but it allows customers to be more comfortable while appreciating the skill and talents of the chefs and we think it has worked really well.”
IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE STYLE, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT USE OF WOOD IN THE RESTAURANT, WITH BESPOKE JOINERY BEING A FEATURE THROUGHOUT. ABOVE THE BAR, A TIMBER FRAME SERVES BOTH TO CONCEAL THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES AND AS A FEATURE POINT.
The bespoke kitchen was a new addition to the building, so gave Sam and Chris plenty of flexibility when it came to its location within the restaurant. Sam was clear that it should be housed at the rear of the restaurant and open to the main dining room – with preparation and cleaning areas separated further back.
For Chris, the space offered plenty of opportunity: “From the start it clearly very much lent itself to being a restaurant. As a former post office, it was a large area that offered plenty of scope to be repurposed, so we wanted to make sure we took full advantage of that with the design. The restaurant is comprised of two fairly distinct spaces – the formal dining area with the kitchen and then a more relaxed bar area which encourages people to pop in or stay for a drink.”
While the two spaces are separate they very clearly form part of a whole –with the design and feel of the restaurant continuing through both. The marking of the division comes in the form of traditional Japanese shoji screens, wooden lattice frames covered with washi paper. The translucent paper allows light to pass through and diffuse –adding to the open feel of the space.
The shoji are just one of the ways in which the interior design pays homage to its Japanese inspiration. Beth Jarrold of the Dartmoor Sign House was responsible for the interior decoration, as well as painting all the signage and artwork in the restaurant. As Sam’s sister, she had a good understanding of what he wanted to achieve: “We had looked at a lot of Japanese restaurants together and so we had a really good starting point for what might inspire this one. As part of my research, I also spent a lot of time with a local Japanese calligrapher in Guernsey, Naoko Mauger. She taught me so much about Japanese rituals around food and being a guest in a space. Everything from the multiple changes of seasons to important life events are marked with the hosting of a tea ceremony. It was so inspirational in how we approached the project – everything
centred on it being a lovely space in which to host people.”
Restaurants in Tokyo, London and Bangkok all provided ideas for the new space – mixing Scandinavian simplicity with Japanese detail. The feeling the team wanted to achieve came through a combination of materials, the colour palette and the all-important lighting scheme, which has been carefully considered throughout the restaurant.
In traditional Japanese style, there is a significant use of wood in the restaurant, with bespoke joinery being a feature throughout. Above the bar, a timber frame serves both to conceal the mechanical and electrical services and as a feature point. The use of Noren curtains also harks back to traditional Japanese establishments – although Sam is hoping his customers won’t use them in the customary way of wiping their hands as you leave.
The benefits of the listed building did come with some drawbacks. With
offices above, it was very important that adequate sound reduction measures were put in place. Sam said everyone worked together to ensure they were successful: “The landlord was very supportive of the whole project, but he did want a level of sound reduction that would be greater than the statutory requirement. As the ceiling of the restaurant was protected, a lot of time and effort went into ensuring that it was compliant. Eventually we were able to demonstrate that the ceiling was not in its original form so we were able to take it down and install the necessary acoustic protection. It now works very well, but it did cause a delay with the project.”
But with the project now complete and open to customers, the team is delighted with what’s been achieved. For Chris, the joy came in how everyone worked together to achieve a result to be proud of: “It was such a collaborative project, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team. These type of restaurant projects tend to be very intense,
RESTAURANTS IN TOKYO, LONDON AND BANGKOK ALL PROVIDED IDEAS FOR THE NEW SPACE – MIXING SCANDINAVIAN SIMPLICITY WITH JAPANESE DETAIL.
especially as they move towards the opening date, so it’s wonderful to see it all come together and be enjoyed.”
While customers old and new are enjoying the food and ambience, the design team are not quite finished with the space. Beth said she is expecting those visiting to see small changes as time goes on: “I’m always thinking of what we can add to it. In Hook [Sam’s former restaurant], the design evolved with extra props etc over time, and I don’t think that’s something you can rush. I think it will be the same here, but it has very much been designed to be timeless. I don’t think it will age quickly, so I hope people will enjoy it for a long time.”
THE
With Sam in agreement, his expectation is also of further changes to come: “I think every restaurant continues to evolve, and there is more we want to do here. While we love the impressive finish to the plasterwork, we may well look to add something more to the blank wall at the back; there is some work we want to do around installing acoustic panels to reduce the noise levels; and we will be looking to make an al fresco application in time for next summer.”
But whether they’re enjoying Fukku’s offerings inside or outside, Sam hopes all his customers will enjoy their authentic taste of Japan in Guernsey.
Fukku won ‘Internal Commercial Project of the Year’ at the recent Guernsey Property and Construction Awards.
StudiO
Dartmoor Signhouse & Interiors
WB Carpentry & Joinery
Valderie Construction
C8
Greens Kitchens
Channel Welders
Drainforce
Plan A
Eco Infinity
Surface Decorative Plastering
Carlos Crowson Décor
Sam Taylor Decoration
Greg Forino Flooring
All Wood Floors
ADF Plastering
ADF Tiling
Bish’s Roofing
Limeworks
Dowding Signs
Fusion Engineering
Transform
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The roof of Guernsey’s historic Market Buildings has had a comprehensive renovation and repair. The glazed lantern of the listed building was in poor condition – now a major restoration project should mean it is protected for many years to come.
At over 200 years old, Guernsey’s Market Buildings have stood the test of time. A fullscale renovation was carried out in the early 2000s, but a couple of decades later – the roof lantern was in need of some work.
Stuart Bloese of Tyrrell Dowinton Architects was responsible for the project. With access to the roof difficult, the initial priority was to work out exactly what needed doing: “A drone survey was carried out to try to ascertain how much of the existing timber was rotten and would need to be replaced. When we knew the scale of the project, it was possible to look at the options that would be available to not only repair it but hopefully protect it as much as possible.”
Once the roof had been closely examined, TDA liaised with the States Conservation and Design Team to discuss the roof and the proposed solutions: “Part of the investigations informed us that the vented ridge was not an original feature. This allowed us to construct a case with Conservation and Design to remove this later addition so the roof could be returned to its original profile.
“We also discussed with them the installation of an aluminium capping system. While we wanted to retain as many of the
original timbers as possible, we were keen to protect the building for the future. The system allowed us to retain the existing rafter structure but cap the roof timbers. It would mean the lines of the roof remained unchanged but would be protected, so this approach was agreed. We knew it was important to maintain the historic character of the structure during the refurbishment, but we also wanted to reduce future maintenance as much as possible.”
With the changes approved, the team could start on the project. Contractor Rihoy & Son was responsible for the work. Managing director Dan Taylor said simply getting to the site was a challenging part of the project: “We originally looked at a test area of a 10m length on the Fountain Street side, and effectively assessed the condition of the roof from that. Once we had an idea what to expect, we had to arrange to access the roof for the work. While there is a large flat roofed area in the middle of the market, it isn’t something we could put scaffolding on. We therefore needed a great deal of engineering input into how we could make that work. A lot of thought went into the scaffold structure and how it was supported. We ended up with a canopy over the curved lantern with a working platform
on either side. It was complicated but it all worked in the end.”
With the plan approved and access in place, the Rihoy’s team started work stripping out the glazing from the roof light. As they progressed around the roof lantern, Stuart kept a close eye on progress: “When we had looked at the building, it had original softwood timber glazing beads with glass sandwiched between them. The glazing beads were in a very poor state of repair. Our initial assumption was that the timber behind them would potentially be rotten as well. Luckily when that timber batten was removed, the rafters were in better condition than we imagined. As each section was opened up, we inspected the timbers and marked up any that needed to be replaced. We kept a comprehensive record of which timbers were in good condition, which were repaired, and which needed replacement – so that will be an important document for any future work that is done on the building.”
The roof lantern is around 90m long, with the curve adding extra challenges to the project. With around 243 rafters on each side, it was a comprehensive job for Rihoys, but Dan said it became less complicated as they worked through the project: “The repetition helped the team as the work progressed. With the first section they had to understand how the system worked and how to deal with it, but as they worked their way around the rest of the roof it all became much more familiar to them. The curve certainly presented its own challenges though, and meant that each glass panel had to be templated and then cut off site in the UK.”
Once the timber structure had been repaired, it was decorated with a threepart protective paint. It was then capped with the aluminium system approved by Planning. Together with the laminated glass used in the refurbishment, the team hope they’ve now created a robust solution that will protect this historic building for the future.
McAulay (Market Buildings) Limited, director, Charles McHugh, said he was delighted with the result, and commended the woodworking skills displayed by Rihoy’s tradesmen: “The joinery, particularly around the rounded bull nose end of the lantern, is particularly complex. In the age of plastic UPVC window frames it’s gratifying to learn that the skills still exist to restore this historic feature. We would like to
express our thanks to our tenant, the Channel Island Co-operative Society Limited and the DPA Listed Buildings staff for their significant contributions towards this notable conservation achievement. This roof lantern will now be preserved for future generations.”
THE JOINERY, PARTICULARLY AROUND THE ROUNDED BULL NOSE END OF THE LANTERN, IS PARTICULARLY COMPLEX.
Tyrrell Dowinton
Architects
CBL Consulting
WT Partnership
Rihoy & Son
Access Scaffolding
AC Surveys
Sarnian Roofing
and Cheila Arruda have joined to focus on fulfilling the business’ wide portfolio of projects, and Architectural Technician Tyler Horey will be using his technical talent to bring designs to life.
Bill’s specialties are multi-faceted, drawing from a lengthy career designing residential, commercial and industrial properties. Within his impressive catalogue of projects, Bill has been part of the design of state projects such as security-cleared work in Ministry of Defence establishments, nuclear development sites and HM prisons.
Jamie brings with him extensive experience working for practices in the UK, including
Brighton and London and a honed skill in building positive relationships with contractors and clients.
Lovell Ozanne Director, Annalisa Spencer, said: “Finding the right talent to help us deliver exciting and challenging projects is extremely important to us and our clients. It is thrilling to see the business grow and to have the opportunity to welcome colleagues to our team who will all bring bold new perspectives and creative concepts to the table. We are thrilled to welcome four talented and experienced members of staff to our growing team, consolidating our position as one of Guernsey’s most trusted architectural practices.”
Planning permission has been granted for some initial work on the King Edward VII site in Castel. An application to demolish a roadside building on the former hospital site was approved by the Development and Planning Authority.
The hospital site closed in 2014, with the land now earmarked for a 33-bedroom care home. The £5m project aims to help tackle some of the current demand for care home places in the island.
CI Healthcare was selected by the States of Guernsey to lead part of the redevelopment
– it already runs four care homes in Guernsey. The new facility is aiming to be open in 2027.
Along with the demolition, which aims to create a larger parking area, the authorised building work will also involve altering vehicle access at the north boundary of the site on Rue De La Perruque.
Additional planning permissions will be required for other elements of the project, with the site likely be included within the development zone of ‘L’Aumone Local Centre’ in the new Island Development Plan.
The Church of St Andrew’s in the Grange has undertaken some significant work to improve its disabled access for the congregation and visitors.
able to access it. Christian churches generally have an ageing congregation, so we are aware that there may be even more need for these facilities in the future, and we wanted to ensure we were ready for that. By future proofing the building, we are also ensuring that it is a flexible space for everyone in the community to use.”
The project cost around £100,000, with the work completed by Rihoy & Son.
The 1897 building and its associated hall was previously inaccessible for wheelchair users. Now a lift has been installed in the hall to rear of the church, while a ramp in the sanctuary has been built to help with disabled access.
Elder Stuart Hardie is the fabric convenor for the church, and explained why it was an important project: “We want everyone to feel welcome in the church and to be
Since the lift installation, the church hall has become a regular meeting place for the members of disability charity UnLtd –and it’s hoped more people will benefit from the improved access.
The St Peter Port site that housed the former restaurant Octopus was sold for £1 this summer, 18 months after a fire destroyed it.
The land was owned by Deputy Yvonne Burford, but she confirmed the sale had taken place – to the owners of the former Octopus restaurant, Delphine and Mike Pesrin.
Plans are now expected to be submitted to rebuild the restaurant on the site, which opened in 2016 before burning down in February 2024.
As President of the Development and Planning Authority, Deputy Burford has said that she will recuse herself from any discussion regarding the future of the site, even though she no longer has a financial interest in the property.
Responding to the sale, she said that the months of negotiations with insurance companies, along with “lease limitations and obligations and costings”, had played a significant role. While describing the sale as “not at all the outcome I would have wanted”, she said it leaves her free to focus on her role as a deputy after a complex and difficult time.
Prior to this exchange, the site sold for £200,00 in June 2021 and for £1 in February 2020.
The Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) has signed a contract with French firm Groupe Legendre to start work on the new flats it’s building in La Charroterie.
The French company, which has a Jersey office, is partnering with Guernsey firm Breton for the project. Together they will finalise designs for the development to enable building work to commence. Enabling works have already started on the former CI Tyres site, with construction expected to start early next year.
The GHA has planning permission for 60 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom affordable homes on the site, which they hope will help address the island’s need for smaller residential units.
Lisa de Kooker, Chief Operating Officer at GHA, said the partnership is a positive step
Guernsey FA has been shortlisted for a Facility Development award at the County FA Recognition Awards 2025. The accolade is for its new home, Victoria Park, with the awards aiming to acknowledge outstanding work in grassroots football.
The new stadium opened in March 2025, and is Guernsey FA’s first permanent home in more than 130 years. The facility at Victoria Avenue is a 3G stadium and community hub that has been designed to be a catalyst for growth in the local game.
The Guernsey FA was shortlisted in the Facility Development category alongside Birmingham FA, Kent FA, Devon FA and Northumberland FA. The winner will be announced at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 6 November.
The English FA’s Head of Operations for Grassroots Football, Tim Foster, had praise for all those shortlisted: “Congratulations to all of the County FAs shortlisted for this
forward for the site: “We’re committed to delivering the CI Tyres site to the highest standard to meet the needs of islanders and in a timely manner. Legendre impressed us with the depth of their experience, and we’re pleased to be moving forward with them on this stage of the process.
“This whole process is about working together upfront to get the scheme’s design, costs and logistics pinned down before awarding the construction contract –we benefit from the contractor’s skills and experience early on.”
year’s County FA Recognition Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the country to strengthen and grow grassroots football so it continues to thrive in the future.”
The Guernsey FA CEO, Gary Roberts, said the nomination is proof of their success: “The project was the culmination of many years of planning and perseverance. This fantastic facility is now the community hub that Guernsey FA is using to drive the game forward, introducing new opportunities, addressing identified needs, sourcing new investment into the game, and continuing to serve the game and wider island community.”
The owner of 32 High Street is hoping for permission to turn the upper floors of the property into flats, having had a previous application rejected.
Early this year the Development and Planning Authority refused permission to an application to convert the first, second and third floors of number 32 into flats, saying the designs did “not respect the character of the local built environment.”
Courtillet Design, which has now submitted a new planning application on behalf of Stone House Properties, said the previously raised concerns have now been addressed.
The airport terminal scaffolding which has been in place since March 2024 is staying put, with no end date in sight. Engineers are currently working to assess the structural damage to the roof.
The airport terminal’s roof has had several problems since the facility opened in 2004. Most recently Storm Ciaran dislodged a number of panels in November 2023, which resulted in the scaffolding being erected in
In the application, the owners are looking to convert the building into one principle dwelling and five smaller dwellings.
The former hotel went into administration in 2010 before closing in 2013. According to planning documents, the property was originally built as a house in the 1920s before being converted to a hotel in 1989.
The application comes while the St Martin’s Community Plan Committee is looking for feedback on its new draft set of development
The new plans suggest that three flats be created rather than four, while the retail space on the ground floor is maintained. They also said that, following consultation with the States’ conservation department and Guernsey Fire and Rescue, changes have been made to the plans regarding the size of the proposed extension, and some of the existing timber features will be retained.
The building has previously been amended at the rear with a single storey extension. It is separated from the next building by a narrow alley, described as a “cobbled venelle”. It is unclear who owns the venelle.
March 2024 to prevent further damage and allow inspections to take place.
That scaffolding was extended to the lower parts of the terminal in December 2024. Now T&G Structural Engineers have been appointed to fully inspect the damage.
Deputy Mark Helyar, President of the States’ Trading Supervisory Board, said the government’s current position means he can’t give a date for the completion of repairs: “Regrettably, the government’s continued structural deficit and the fact that the ports have a substantial list of repairs which we already cannot afford to fund, means that the timescale for completion of any necessary repairs remains uncertain.”
Access to the arrivals door of the terminal will be partly restricted while works take place on the lower sections of roof panels.
plans. In it, they list five hotels in the parish as sites with potential. While St Martin’s Hotel, St Margaret’s Lodge Hotel, Braye Lodge Hotel and The Chalet Hotel are all identified as potential private housing sites, the Bon Port Hotel is proposed as a potential ‘boutique hotel’ along with private housing.
The poor access down a single track road to the Bon Port Hotel has raised significant concerns with neighbours in regard to excessive development on the site.
The Development and Planning Authority (DPA) has increased planning and building control fees, which they say is in response to inflation and to ensure the fees truly reflect the cost of the service being provided. Fees increased by 17% from Monday 30 June.
The DPA says it is only the second time that planning and building control fees have been increased since January 2020 and September 2021 respectively, and that it highlights the continual need for the Planning Service to provide the most efficient service for its customers.
Policy & Resources has used the 2026 Budget to try to reverse a tax on buy-tolet homes. It’s hoped to spur investment in the rental market, which has left renters struggling with soaring costs and a falling number of properties.
An additional 2% rate of document duty for transactions of homes that are not a main residence was introduced in 2023. Now P&R believes that measure is having unintended consequences on the wider rental sector, and wants to remove it.
The long-awaited development of Leale’s Yard in St Sampson’s has taken a step closer to reality, with the States of Guernsey reaching a deal with the owners, the Channel Islands Co-op to purchase the site.
The States bought the majority of the site for £4.5m in August, and aims to start demolition work within a year. The immediate priority will be infrastructure improvement in the area, including new roads which further develop the
infrastructure upgrades already submitted for the Saltpans site.
While the States now owns most of the site, the Co-op has retained a small section to develop for housing, which it has committed to commencing within 18 months of the sale.
While the plans for mixed use (commercial and housing) development will remain as established in the development framework for the site, the overall layout and design
This approach is in line with guidance provided by the Policy & Resources Committee to make sure that costs are met by those who actually use the service. The DPA also says it is proactively exploring the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence and other technology to improve efficiency.
The full list of fees is available as a download on www.gov.gg
Average rental prices have increased by more than 50% over the past five years, while there has been a real-terms improvement in the affordability of homes for islanders. P&R hopes that removing the tax barrier will encourage more people to invest in rental homes, and therefore ease the pressure on that market.
President of P&R, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, attempted to remove the 2% additional rate in the 2025 budget debate, but that move was defeated by 27 votes to six by deputies.
may change from the outline planning permission already in place.
P&R President Lindsay de Sausmarez said the project is a priority for her committee: “We’ve long recognised Leale’s Yard as strategically important for the regeneration of the Bridge, the delivery of critical infrastructure and much-needed additional housing. The new P&R Committee is fully supportive of the decisions taken to date and is keen to prioritise its progress this political term.
“The first priority is to improve the transport network in the area, both around and through the site, as that’s crucial for its long-term success in addressing the traffic impact. We are very keen to deliver the best mix of housing that the island needs, alongside other aspects that will support the regeneration of the Bridge, and won’t waste any time in moving this forward.”
The renovation of the historic conservatory at Les Cotils has provided a welcoming contemporary space that befits its location, while respecting the heritage of the building. The significant project has transformed the café, which the charity now hopes will provide a facility of benefit to the whole community.
The conservatory at Les Cotils has been home to a café for a number of years, but there were significant issues with the building. When the charity started to consider the project to renovate and restore it, it became clear it would entail more than they originally imagined.
Chair of the trustees of Les Cotils, Andy Hall, explained how the project developed:
“Our original idea was to repair the structure by cutting out the rotten wood and scarfing in new timbers. But once we started looking at it properly, we realised we’d be doing
that forever. In addition to the issues with the timbers, the polycarbonate roof meant that the space was always too hot or too cold, and the floor had a significant damp issue. When all that was taken into account it was relatively easy to make the decision to rebuild it.”
With a final cost of around £400,000 it was a major project for the charity, who received significant support from the Swallow Trust to enable them to progress with the plans. Managing director of CCD, Stuart Pearce, was responsible for the design. For him, it was important to respect the building’s history while ensuring it was fit for the future: “While Les Cotils is not listed, the building dates back to the late 19th century. The historic structure that houses the café will have originally been a timber frame Victorian vine house, which was then extended in the early 2010s to create a bigger space for the café.
WHILE LES COTILS IS NOT LISTED, THE BUILDING DATES BACK TO THE LATE 19TH CENTURY. THE HISTORIC STRUCTURE THAT HOUSES THE CAFÉ WILL HAVE ORIGINALLY BEEN A TIMBER FRAME VICTORIAN VINE HOUSE, WHICH WAS THEN EXTENDED IN THE EARLY 2010S TO CREATE A BIGGER SPACE FOR THE CAFÉ.
“I wanted the new design to respect the style of the building, and echo back to that traditional garden building. It seemed clear that a modern glass box wouldn’t have been fitting in this setting. The original design reflected aspects of the main house such as the double arches, so we were very keen to replicate those. Lots of the external and internal detailing also reflect the historic structure, such as the fluted columns, so we were careful to retain those in the new design.”
But while the new structure was designed to hark back to the past, it has also taken full advantage of modern materials. Accoya wood was used by Swan Joinery throughout the project, which is guaranteed to last for decades, while the Teknos paint system that was applied will also help keep the building in excellent condition.
One of the most noticeable changes to the exterior is the new roof. The former poorquality plastic has been replaced with a modern zinc covering. Stuart explained why that was an important part of the project:
The café aims to welcome everyone in the community. While it is an independently operated commercial café during the weekdays, it is available for the charity’s use during evenings and weekends. Andy Hall said that was significant motivation for the project: “It was one of the reasons that the Swallow Trust was keen to support the renovation, and it’s something we’re very excited about. We now have a wonderful opportunity here to provide for people who are struggling to come and have a free supper. It’s an extension of our existing ‘food for families’ and ‘fresh fruit for schools’ programmes which started during Covid, and we’re hoping it will benefit some of those who really need the support.”
Part of the outreach to the whole community includes improved accessibility. The existing ramp was retained, while additional measures have been put in place to make it more welcoming for those with disabilities. Automated doors with assisted opening and closing mechanisms have been installed, while level thresholds mean that the outside decking at the rear of the café is also accessible.
“We needed to have a highly-efficient roof structure to make the café a more hospitable place at all times of the year. Zinc was an excellent option – it is a traditional material which feels contemporary. Using a standing seam zinc roof with Kingspan rigid insulation gave the look we wanted while ensuring that it will make a significant difference to the usability of the space.”
Internally, an important part of the design was the retention of the original gable, which is now a noticeable feature in the café. Andy explained how it has changed from its former appearance: “Previously there was a wall within the café which marked the division between the original structure and the later extension. Those glass panels were very restrictive so we were very keen to open it up, but without losing the gable end. We therefore consulted with a structural engineer and ended up putting a beam in to support the gable while opening up the space underneath. It’s worked really well and makes the space much more useful as well as looking very attractive.”
Once work started on the project, it became even clearer that the rebuild had been a sensible decision. When the floor was taken up, contractor C A Duquemin realised that the original greenhouse had been built straight onto the earth. A new concrete floor slab was therefore installed to provide a solid foundation for the new structure. Throughout the building, steel-reinforced flitch beams were installed to ensure it will be a building able to stand the test of time.
The Electrical, Alarms and Plumbing Teams at AFM are delighted to have been part of the team that delivered the new café at Les Cotils. Call 01481 252111 enquiries@amalgamatedfm.com www.amalgamatedfm.com
Proud to have played our part
GMR are proud to have been entrusted with the installation of the standing seam zinc roof at The Swallows Café.
We’re also excited to now offer “invisible” solar panel standing seam roofs, seamlessly integrated into the roof panel for clean energy generation without compromising on aesthetics. It’s another step forward in our mission to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions for modern builds.
Our team specialises in installing full metal standing seam roofs, delivering a sleek, contemporary finish to any project. Hard metal clad dormers, fascias, and soffits not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to eco-conscious design. Available in a variety of colours and finishes, these features can truly elevate your build.
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Get in touch today to discover how we can help bring your vision to life
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BUT WHILE THE NEW STRUCTURE WAS DESIGNED TO HARK BACK TO THE PAST, IT HAS ALSO TAKEN FULL ADVANTAGE OF MODERN MATERIALS.
The project started in September 2024 with the demolition of the original building and took around nine months to complete. For Andy, it was a successful project for the whole team: “It did cost more than planned but those increases were unavoidable and kept under control. The timings were dictated by the glazing. Because the windows were such unusual shapes they all had to be templated, and some of that couldn’t be done until the roof was up. Then we needed to wait for them to be manufactured in the UK.
“The whole team worked so well together on the project. Our main contractor C A Duquemin was very good at managing the build. We also couldn’t have achieved this without the team at Swan Joinery. Everything was manufactured locally at their workshop and their attention to detail was fantastic. We’re very grateful to everyone involved.”
Dorey, Lyle & Ashman
CCD Architects, Surveyors & Heritage Consultants
C A Duquemin Limited
Swan Joinery
Guernsey Metal Roofing
AFM
Carpet & Flooring Solutions
Sidlocks
Surveyors Heritage Consultants
With over 40 years of experience CCD is an award-winning practice comprising Chartered Architects, Surveyors, Architectural Technologists and Specialists in Historic Building Conservation. We pride ourselves in our sensitive approach to design through an appreciation of the wider contextual setting and consideration of the impact of our work on the natural and built environments.
Tel: 01481 726461 mail@ccd-architects.com www.ccd-architects.com
The recent Guernsey Property & Construction Awards celebrated the very best of the island’s industry. The annual event saw the island’s construction and property professionals gather at St Pierre Park to recognise the people and projects that had made a mark over the past year.
Ten people and projects were acknowledged for their contribution to the island’s built environment, with categories ranging from ‘Landscaping of the Year’ to ‘Best Large Project’. The criteria focused on excellence in design, innovation and delivery, with particular focus on projects that contribute positively to Guernsey’s community, environment, and economy. As always, the awards were not just focused on projects but on recognising the people who make the industry successful, with trophies handed out to this year’s rising star and industry professional, along with a lifetime achievement award.
Photography by www.solwayphotography.co.uk
The nomination process for the awards was open from 1 May to 31 July, with the entries then passed on to the five judges. They independently considered the entries against the stated criteria, awarding a score out of five in each one. All the results were then collated to find the overall winners. The panel praised the high standard of entries this year, noting the creativity, sustainability and collaboration demonstrated across all categories.
Event organiser Karen Solway said: “We hold the event to recognise the innovation, sustainability and dedication within the industry and to highlight the outstanding contributions of the individuals and teams who shape it. The Guernsey Property & Construction Awards showcase the exceptional talent and dedication within our island’s industries, and the winners reflect the passion and expertise driving Guernsey’s future construction environment.”
WE HOLD THE EVENT TO RECOGNISE THE INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND DEDICATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
RISING STAR
Winner: Laura Cottam PF&A
SUSTAINABLE
Winner: Plaza House, Admiral Park Lovell Ozanne
LANDSCAPING PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Winner: 30 Fountain Street Petersfield Plant Centre
INTERNAL DOMESTIC OF THE YEAR
Winner: The West Coast Farmhouse StudiO
INTERNAL COMMERCIAL OF THE YEAR
Winner: Fukku StudiO
BEST SINGLE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
Winner: Hayloft PF&A
Title Sponsor
BEST MULTI-RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
Winner: Les Bas Courtils Development JGA
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Winner: Mike Ashman
DLA
BEST LARGE PROJECT
Winner: Victoria Park - Guernsey FA Hub Lovell Ozanne
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Martyn Ozanne Duquemin and Ozanne
Transforming a World War II bunker into a contemporary three-bedroom home was a challenging project from start to finish. But the hard work and creativity of A7 Architecture was recognised at the recent Architectural Technology Awards. With the project thought to be the only one of its type in the British Isles, it was shortlisted for the ‘Building Conversion of the Year’ award.
Built in 1942 as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defences, the German personnel bunker on the island’s west coast has plenty of history behind it – but now it’s looking forward to a very different future. A complicated project to transform it into a family home has been completed – creating a light-filled modern residence which pays tribute to its past.
André Rolfe-Bisson, founder of A7 Architecture, was responsible for pursuing the planning permission for the unusual project. “Our clients were looking to find an innovative way of creating new housing, and came up with this idea of purchasing the bunker alongside two acres of agricultural fields. We had some useful prior experience of converting bunkers to habitable use, and so we were able to offer them some insight into the complexities of working with German concrete.
“Despite the challenges, they were keen to pursue the project, so we began the application for planning permission. We first had to prove the redundant use of the current building, which was fairly straightforward. We then worked closely with the structural engineers to put together a substantial report arguing that it was a structure suitable for conversion. Once the initial plans were approved and work started, we needed to make the bunker wind and watertight so it could be classified as a dwelling; when that was complete we drew up the final plans to extend it and submitted those for approval.”
Those plans created a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, with a newly built extension housing a kitchen and living room. With challenges at every step of the way, the project was never going to be
swift or straightforward. Altogether, the construction took more than five years, including five months of diamond-saw cutting through two-metre thick reinforced concrete. Significant work was also undertaken on bespoke waterproofing and thermal solutions to ensure that the new residence will stay warm and watertight.
While the plan from the start was to create a modern family home, the building’s history guided every aspect of the construction – from the challenges posed by its fabric and layout to the care that was taken to photograph and document the structure fully before any changes were made.
Architectural technologist Sam Peek was the lead designer on the project. For him, the building’s form and its former use gave plenty of inspiration: “We wanted to incorporate the defensive nature of the original building with the shapes we used for the modern extension. Creating curves in concrete is not an easy thing to do, but it made a significant difference to the appeal of the design. We wanted to respect what was already there, but add to and improve it. The design never tried to disguise what its previous purpose had been.”
In fact, the new home pays significant homage to its former life. Internally, historic features have been kept on display with air vents, door hinges and gas tight doors all showcasing its history. Outside, the work that was undertaken to create the new residence is shown through examples of the removed concrete left in situ.
That concrete affected every aspect not only of the build itself, but of the design. Sam said it was a guiding factor throughout the process: “The concrete itself set the tone for the colour palette throughout the whole scheme. While significant glazing to the extension was clearly necessary to ensure the interior was light, we used dark window frames to complement the concrete, which I think has worked really well.”
With local developer BDL now having finished work on the project, the bunker is currently available for purchase by someone who would like to live in this piece of unique Guernsey history. Originally designed to house 12 soldiers during the Occupation, whoever next makes it home will be living in significantly more space and comfort.
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) hold the AT Awards annually to recognise achievements in design from around the world. The awards are open to both professionals and students, and aim to celebrate the innovative application of Architectural Technology by organisations or individuals.
Bunker Six Eighty One was shortlisted for the ‘Conversion of the Year Award’ alongside a Grade II listed building with a medieval sandstone cave network which had been transformed into a bar, and the eventual winner –a planetarium created from a disused Victorian underground reservoir in Nottinghamshire.
A7 is the only Channel Island practice to have been a finalist in the awards, and won their project category in both 2009 and 2010.
For André, this year’s recognition is important for his team and the island: “The CIAT Awards are international, so this recognition puts Guernsey on the global stage and raises awareness of the island as well as our work. I think it was the uniqueness of the project that really attracted the judges’ interest – to take something so symbolic of the wartime occupation and turn it into a home is quite a story, and we’re delighted to have been part of it.”
The refurbishment of the library space at Le Rondin primary school has provided a bespoke facility for the students –carefully designed to meet the needs of all the children, and help inspire them with a love of literature and learning.
‘A forest in the Forest’ was the vision for the new library project at Le Rondin school – a theme which came directly from the children who will be using the space. From the carefully considered colour scheme of calming greens to the artwork on the walls, along with the ‘learning tree’ that forms the focal point of the room, the newly refurbished library has provided a peaceful, welcoming space at the heart of the school.
Architect Annalisa Spencer of Lovell Ozanne was responsible for the design, working closely with specialist firm FG Library & Learning, who manufactured and supplied the library shelving and furniture. She said there were some key aspects to consider when it came to the project: “There needed to be distinct spaces to allow for story time around the tree and a sensory area for children to relax. At the same time we wanted to add little nooks
throughout the room to add to the sense of play and encourage the students to sit and enjoy the books. We also needed to carefully consider the displays of the books themselves – while some could be shelved in the standard way, we also had to allow for some children to be able to see the front of the books to stimulate their interest.”
As a school for children with special educational needs, there were a number of aspects to be reflected in the design of the new library – from access for wheelchair users to sensory spaces. But while there was a lot to consider, there was an experienced team working on the project. Caitlin de Garis is the literacy lead at Le Rondin. When she took on the role five years ago, it was clear that improving the library space was a top priority for the school: “While the previous library was lovely, it was not particularly sensory-
‘A FOREST IN THE FOREST’ WAS THE VISION FOR THE NEW LIBRARY PROJECT AT LE RONDIN SCHOOL. FROM THE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED COLOUR SCHEME OF CALMING GREENS TO THE ARTWORK ON THE WALLS, ALONG WITH THE ‘LEARNING TREE’ THAT FORMS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE ROOM.
friendly. We have a lot of multi-sensory needs among our students so we wanted the room to reflect that and help meet those. We also have a range of physical, emotional and cognitive needs so the library needed to inspire students, be a safe space for those who need it, and also allow access to all.
“The research is very clear on how important it is that a love of reading and books is instilled early in children. A lot of our students who have moved from a mainstream school into our setting may not have had a positive first experience with reading due to their additional needs. We therefore wanted to create a fun, safe space that feels different to a classroom to encourage them to engage with books.”
With the library being designed for the children, they were at the heart of the plans. The team involved spoke to the students at the start of the project to find out what
they wanted from the space. Caitlin said their input was invaluable: “The forest theme came from the children, who said that was the feel that they wanted for their library. They were also keen to have the calming green tones as part of the decoration.”
That decoration saw the students get hands-on with the project. Working with artist Anne Maclean from Art for Guernsey, the children took part in workshops to create a physical piece of art. That was then digitised and, with the help of Smith Signs, was printed and installed in the library.
For Annalisa, the help and support provided by everyone involved made a significant difference in ensuring that work on the project progressed quickly and easily:
“Once we’d finalised the designs with FG Library, the school needed to raise the funds for the project. When that was done and work did start it was a very quick installation – everyone really pulled together to make sure it worked.”
The PFSA says the project was made possible thanks to the generous support of their sponsors, including:
Torteval Douzaine
The John Rampling Trust
The Guernsey Community Foundation
Agilys Guernsey
Smith Signs
Lovell Ozanne Architects
Private donors
Parental donations
THEMSELVES ASKED FOR THE LIBRARY AND SHAPED ITS DESIGN — FROM THE TREE TO THE QUIET NOOKS WHERE THEY CAN SIT AND READ TOGETHER.
Chair of the Parents, Staff and Friends Association (PSFA) at Le Rondin, Yvonne Hodder, spearheaded the fundraising and organisation of the project. She believes it’s a project the whole school community should be proud of: “For the PSFA, this project marks the culmination of our commitment to ensuring the school has the very best resources. What makes it so special is that the children themselves asked for the library and shaped its design — from the tree to the quiet nooks where they can sit and read together. It reflects our belief in valuing student voice, while also supporting the school’s outstanding literacy work with a space that is inclusive, inspiring, and accessible to every child.”
Altogether, the project cost around £50,000, which was met through a combination of fundraising and sponsorship. But those involved are hoping the facility that’s been created will be invaluable for the children it was designed for.
This commercial development on Vale’s Braye Road has brought modern light industrial units to the area. Carefully designed to meet the needs of small businesses, the developer is aiming to build a community that can benefit from the location.
When developer Hillstone acquired the site that Rock Business Centre now sits on, it had a split zoning arrangement –part residential, part zoned for current industrial use, and part zoned for future industrial use. Director Simon Holland said the complicated arrangement didn’t make the site viable: “It didn’t make sense to do it in multiple phases, but luckily the States Planning Department recognised that. They were keen to support light industry through creating these units, so following a Development Framework in 2021 we were able to commence the project.”
Work began with the residential units at the entrance to the site – once those were complete and let, attention turned to the commercial units. With the first block now finished, Simon explained that planners were quite specific with what needed to be provided: “They were keen to have affordable small business units on the site. We were tasked with keeping the floor plans for each premises at a few thousand square feet to ensure they were a suitable size for those firms. They also needed to be environmentally efficient two-storey spaces with office space upstairs and workshopstyle space downstairs.”
and bathrooms – they can simply move in and operate their business.”
The units have a formal use class of ‘light industrial’, which covers everything from car storage to carpentry workshops. Simon said they can also welcome designled businesses such as architects and engineers and data centres, while the tenants to date include a number of construction firms. Simon’s hope is that a community of like-minded businesses will now be built – providing opportunities for all to benefit from their proximity to each other.
Simon and his team said they took the same approach to building these units as they would any other of their developments: “While we have built light industrial units before, we are effectively a house building firm, and those are the skills we brought to this development. We built the units to the same specification as we would have done a domestic property – they are cavity block built with concrete floors, underfloor heating and solar panels. When the tenants move in, they will find them wired, plumbed, plastered and fitted with kitchens
While the build quality and interior appearance was important, Simon said they were also keen to ensure the exteriors were as attractive as possible: “We didn’t want to create tin sheds – we wanted spaces that the tenants would be proud to call home. It is difficult to make buildings of this size and purpose look appealing, so we did things such as choosing cedar cladding that should age well over time. We have also enhanced our original landscaping plan and hope that as those trees take root they will help soften the environment.”
The work to date has taken around two years – with around a metre of ground at the rear of the site needing to be excavated before significant work could get underway. In an effort to reduce waste, that was then used elsewhere on the site.
With the first stage complete, work has started on the second block of units, with the third and final section due to commence in autumn 2026 and finish the following year. Once complete, there will be a total of 19 industrial units on the site, ranging from 1,314 to 3,191 sq.ft., and providing a total space of around 50,000 sq.ft.
WE DIDN’T WANT TO CREATE TIN SHEDS – WE WANTED SPACES THAT THE TENANTS WOULD BE PROUD TO CALL HOME.
Hillstone
Watts Property Consultants
Iplumb
Transform Electrics
Prime Paving
Island Access
P3
BWD
R&H Plant Hire
Acorn Kitchens
Channel Welders
Paulos Gardening Works
Queripel Transport
EcoScreed
Capelles Building
Supplies
Ronez
Norman Piette
Annandale
GBS
Metro Tile
The tenants who have already moved into the development include Hillstone, Acorn Lifestyle and GMR – while Evolution Construction has purchased its unit within the scheme.
Jake Herve, Evolution Construction:
“As the unit is part of a fully managed complex, it means that all the exterior maintenance is taken care of, leaving me free from that burden and able to spend my time managing my own business. The unit is the perfect size and location for us, and the centre is great. The first few tenants on site are also businesses that we deal with on daily basis so we can support each other. The solar installation should make our energy costs minimal and the communal forklift relieves us of the need to own and run our own, which again saves us money. It’s been a great move all round.”
Richard Herpe, Acorn Lifestyle:
“Having worked with Hillstone many times over the past 20 years, supplying them with our kitchens and bedrooms, we are very happy to be one of the first tenants in their Rock Business Centre development. The new unit is perfect for the next chapter in the development of our business, and we hope to be here for many years to come. The space we occupy is perfect, being modern, well-lit and energy efficient, making it cost effective to operate. So far, it’s proved to be a great move for us.”
Craig Gavey, GMR: “We spent several months looking for the perfect home for GMR as we need a commercial workshop and office space to carry out our off-site manufacturing and administration. Rock was the perfect solution and we are very happy to be part of the development.”
From a temporary structure to the most highly protected of Guernsey’s buildings, the work currently taking place around the island is as varied as ever. From charities to churches, these projects aim to preserve the past as well as look forward to the future.
Any visitors to the M&S Food store in St Martins will have noticed it’s been a busy place recently –with work on the car park taking place before the installation of a large temporary structure.
Rihoy & Son has been responsible for the work on site. Contracts manager Matthew Baldry said it has all gone smoothly so far: “We’ve laid a new carpark at the very back of the site, on the former overflow carpark area. The old gravel area has been replaced with a brick-paved finish with a sustainable drainage system, which allows rainfall to drain through the bricks into a compacted stone subbase.
“Once that was complete we’ve been working in phases through the carpark upgrading and replacing the underground services and resurfacing parts of the existing carpark in sections. We will now be working on the fit out of the temporary structure to get it ready for customers.”
That temporary structure is the solution to keeping M&S Food trading during the demolition and rebuild of the old store. Creasey’s managing director, Jonathan Creasey, said it’s been an exciting project to be part of: “It’s the first time something like this has been done in Guernsey and I think it’s a wonderful idea. It means that the contractors can focus on doing an efficient job with the new building while we can still carry out our necessary trading.
“The structure might be temporary but it will be a very good experience from a customer’s point of view. It is a robust building which offers the same 4,000sq. ft. of retail space as the current store. The M&E fit out and the store fit out are both full scale with full lighting schemes, air conditioning, data services etc as in a permanent building. It’s really exciting to see it go up and I think it will work really well.”
It’s hoped to have the temporary building open for business by the end of November, in time for the busy Christmas trade. Work will then immediately start on the new store, with the old building being demolished to make way for a purpose-built structure designed to meet the needs of staff and customers.
Architect Andrew Male of Lovell Ozanne is responsible for the design, which he says will improve both the look and the feel of the store: “There will be a new covered
entranceway to greet customers as they enter, while the storage entrances and plant will all be moved to the other side of the building so they no longer cross over into the customer experience. As the store will extend out into the former garage forecourt, it will have a significantly increased footprint and allow M&S to offer a greater product range to customers.
“The building itself will have an insulated render and then a wood effect cladding with glazing and some slate roofs. It has been thoughtfully designed to sit well in the St Martin’s village area. We have tried to break up the large mass of the current building by creating some gables to echo the form of other buildings in the area. The timber effect cladding and render will also be more in keeping with the Guernsey vernacular. Finally, landscaping in front of the building will help soften it and improve its appearance. Altogether, it should be a much more attractive addition to the area.”
With documented evidence dating back to 1048 of there being a church on the site, the island’s Town Church stands as an important monument to Guernsey’s history. The current building was completed in 1466, so unsurprisingly it’s seen plenty of conservation work over the years.
Stuart Pearce, Conservation Surveyor at CCD Architects, Surveyors & Heritage Consultants, has been overseeing the rolling programme of repair works to the limestone window tracery and stained glass at Town Church for the past 20 years. He explained the next stage of the project: “The central east-facing window is the last of the significant windows to be tackled, and will include careful removal of the 46 individual panels by Peter Vivian at Guernsey Glasscraft. Peter will be carefully removing the leadwork around the individual pieces of glass as the putty has now become brittle, is falling out, and is letting in water during easterly gales.”
Once the windows have been re-leaded and repairs carried out, they will be reinstated.
The work necessitated the completion of a rather substantial scaffolding overlooking the harbour, which was required for access to facilitate the work to the window.
Whilst the scaffolding is in place, Stuart will also oversee the removal of cement mortar from the windows and its replacement with lime mortar. This change is to encourage the evaporation of moisture from within the walls and to slow down deterioration of some of the more soft and friable stonework.
Internally, other works include the checking and stabilisation of the 1822 plasterwork, designed by John Wilson, which is located at high level and at risk of failure due to embedded iron fixings. The fixings are causing rust-jacking and delamination of the lime plaster.
The specialist contracting works at the church are being carried out by F Watson & Son Ltd.
The St Andrew’s Animal Shelter project is seeing significant progress, with all the old buildings on the site knocked down to make way for the new facilities.
Contractor Breton has now completed the demolition of the long-standing buildings, which had previously been home to the charity’s rehoming cattery, staff room, ferret and small animal areas, dog grooming space, and laundry facilities.
In their place will be a new Wildlife Hospital, a ferret shelter, and a state-of-the-art kennel facility, which will also house a dog grooming area and modern laundry provision.
Work is now underway on the Wildlife Hospital, with concrete being poured into the newly laid foundations. It marks a major step forward in the project, which aims to transform the shelter into a modern, sustainable facility.
GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne, said: “It’s incredible to see the old buildings gone and the foundations of our new Wildlife Hospital taking shape. This is a huge moment for the GSPCA and the animals we care for. We want to thank everyone who has supported us so far. We still have a long way to go, and we’re appealing to anyone who can help—
whether through donations, sponsorship, or buying a brick—to be part of this historic build. Together, we can create a shelter that’s fit for the future.”
Part of the future-proofing includes the exploration of green energy solutions, including solar panels and air source heat pumps for the site. The charity says those additions would significantly reduce monthly electricity costs in the future and support the shelter’s environmental goals, but they would require further funding or sponsorship. Along with some unexpected challenges during the excavation which led to some additional costs, the charity has some significant fundraising to do. So far, the GSPCA has raised £1,500,000 of the £3,700,000 necessary to complete the full-scale project – which is due to finish by the end of 2026.
Senior Associate at Carey Olsen, Kieran Ogilvie, sets out the key provisions of the island’s new legislation regarding rental housing.
On 6 March 2025, the States of Guernsey approved new housing standards legislation, titled the Housing (Standards, Landlord Registration and HMO Licensing) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2025.
This new legislation implements housing standards and regulation for the private residential sector, representing a significant overhaul of rental housing law. Certain parts of the legislation came into force on 1 July, with the remaining parts still to be implemented.
Minimum standards for rented dwellings
The legislation provides that rented dwellings must comply with minimum standards from 1 July 2025, and separate regulations have been passed to set the specific standards to be met. Some of the key requirements include:
• Structural safety and repair: Landlords must maintain rented dwellings, building exteriors, common areas, outbuildings, and boundary structures in structurally sound and safe condition. The repair obligations on landlords apply when disrepair affects an occupier’s enjoyment of the dwelling.
• Essential facilities: All rented dwellings must provide indoor access to a toilet, bath/shower, a wash basin with hot/ cold water, food preparation space, two cooking hobs, and an oven. Adequate heating for living/sleeping rooms is required, with accessible controls for temperature adjustment. Landlords must also maintain utilities (electricity, gas, water, lighting), food storage facilities, postal delivery systems, and effective drainage in good repair.
• Safety standards and inspections:
The legislation establishes safety requirements for rented dwellings across various areas. Electrical installations
must meet the prescribed standards and undergo inspections by qualified persons every five years, with all existing properties requiring inspection by 1 January 2026 if not recently tested. Oil-fired combustion appliances require annual inspections by qualified persons, with existing appliances also subject to the 1 January 2026 deadline if overdue for testing. Landlords must also comply with existing obligations under the relevant gas and fire safety legislation.
Housing health and safety rating system
The legislation establishes a tiered enforcement system based on hazard categories, and separate regulations have been passed to set the prescribed rules. The system identifies 29 specific hazard categories including damp and mould, temperature extremes, toxic exposures, structural dangers, fire hazards, and inadequate facilities for hygiene, food safety, and water supply. The numerical scores place hazards into bands A through J, with bands A-C (scores 1000-5000+) classified as Category 1 hazards requiring mandatory enforcement action, and bands D-J (scores below 1000) as Category 2 hazards allowing discretionary enforcement.
Available enforcement tools for authorised officers include improvement notices requiring specific remedial work within set timeframes, prohibition orders restricting property use, hazard awareness notices providing information about risks, and emergency remedial action for imminent dangers.
Landlord and property registration
The legislation proposes to establish a registration system requiring all landlords to register themselves and their rental properties within 28 days of becoming landlords.
When implemented, landlords must complete specified forms with detailed information and pay prescribed fees.
Licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
The legislation proposes to introduce an HMO licensing regime, which is also yet to be implemented.
HMOs are defined under the legislation as dwellings with more than two people from multiple households sharing basic amenities, with at least one person paying rent. All HMOs that require registration must also obtain HMO licenses, which authorise occupation by specified maximum numbers of households or persons. Landlords must apply through prescribed forms with applicable fees.
Conclusion
This new legislation represents a major change, establishing robust standards and enforcement mechanisms designed to protect tenants while providing clear guidance for landlords.
Tenants may wish to seek legal advice to understand their rights, as may landlords to know their obligations and ensure their properties remain compliant.
THIS NEW LEGISLATION IMPLEMENTS HOUSING STANDARDS AND REGULATION FOR THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR, REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT OVERHAUL OF RENTAL HOUSING LAW.
David Sherwill-Zopf, the new Chair of the RIBA Guernsey branch, outlines his ambitions for the organisation –with education at the heart of his ethos.
The new committee for the RIBA in Guernsey signals a new era for the organisation which represents chartered architects in the island. Along with my fellow committee members, we believe it is time for a fresh start and a closer relationship with the national body and we’re excited to see what we can achieve.
As a tutor and examiner for the RIBA Studio programme at Oxford Brookes University, I felt I had the connections and drive to improve the local organisation, which could benefit all of our members.
Currently, around half a dozen local students are undertaking the RIBA Studio course, travelling to the UK while working in Guernsey. This proposal would build on that foundation, expanding and tailoring the programme to meet the island’s particular needs. Establishing an on-island course would make architectural education more accessible and cost-effective for both students and businesses — and, importantly, help retain our young talent within the community.
REAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE ISLAND’S HOUSING WILL COME WHEN MORE PROFESSIONALS ARE EQUIPPED WITH A DEEP AND DISCIPLINED UNDERSTANDING OF GOOD DESIGN.
While I am relatively new to the role, I am already clear that a significant amount of my focus will be on education – both for those already in the industry in Guernsey, and those who may want to join it in the future.
My long-term goal is to see an on-island RIBA apprenticeship scheme. Currently all aspiring chartered architects need to go off-island to study at university. While there are some advantages to that, the cost of living in the island often makes it unlikely they will then return. I feel that home-grown architects who are able to study design to a high level here are more likely to stay and contribute to the island’s economy and the standard of our built environment.
If we can organise this new educational route, which would see trainees work in a local office while studying remotely with one of the big architectural schools, I think it would open up many new opportunities. Alongside on-island training for those students, we could host workshops and classes for others in the community – so that more people have access to that knowledge base.
Real improvement in the island’s housing will come when more professionals are equipped with a deep and disciplined understanding of good design. RIBA training provides more than the ability to create something visually appealing — it instils the insight to make it work in every sense: socially, economically, and environmentally. I encourage my students to look beyond the obvious, to question convention, and to design with empathy. Architecture is not just about buildings; it is about how we live, how we connect, and how we shape the future of our communities.
These are ambitious questions, and they require rigorous architectural training to truly appreciate their significance. I would love to see more people engage in that process, because I believe it would have a profound and lasting impact on the character and quality of our island’s built environment.
With the new committee, we are receiving significantly more background support and funding from the RIBA. We’d love to hear suggestions from others in the industry about what they would like to see from us and their thoughts on the plans so far – and do keep an eye out for upcoming events, which we’d welcome any of our fellow architects to attend.
Miles Pengelley MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist at JG Architecture Limited and CIAT Channel Islands Regional Secretary and Councillor, shares his thoughts and experience on
projects involving conservatories.
THE FEASIBILITY OF A ‘CONVERT MY CONSERVATORY’ PROJECT WILL RELY ON SEVERAL INVESTIGATIONS AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS.
“Too hot in the summer,” … “Too cold in the winter,” … “Leaks like a basket!” … as architectural technologists these are common refrains we hear about conservatories.
Separated from the house by an external (thermal) door, a conservatory can be used to heat up the conservatory space (solar gains) during the day. By then removing the thermal barrier to the house (opening the door) in the evening, that heat can be allowed to circulate through, saving on artificial heating. But the reality is that scenario isn’t as effective as intended.
Estate agent listings frequently show properties with a conservatory attached, and its replacement is often top of the to do list for new homeowners. The feasibility of a ‘convert my conservatory’ project will rely on several investigations and design considerations.
In the project images shown, it was desired to enhance the footprint of the existing conservatory, meaning a complete demolition. However, if the footprint suits, it may be possible to retain the existing foundations and ground floor construction.
In an ideal scenario, the conservatory foundations would be appropriate to carry the load of a heavier structure (e.g. solid roof and walls). The design process would initially consider demolition down to damp proof course level (typically floor level) to allow construction of a light weight structure such as a timber frame to be built above.
If the foundations aren’t adequate, it may be possible to enhance them in localised positions using a steel frame with point loads on to the new foundations as a superstructure solution.
As a worst case scenario, complete demolition of the foundations and floor may be necessary. However, this gives the opportunity of a larger footprint along with brand new insulation and damp proof membranes in the new floor, albeit at an increased budget.
The foundations of a conservatory can vary significantly, largely due to constructions being permitted without requirement for a Building Control licence. A trial hole investigation and appraisal by a structural engineer would therefore be a key recommendation at an early stage.
The new space will become a ‘habitable room’ and therefore subject to the Building Regulations requirements. One of the key considerations to the design will be the glazed area to the new space.
To limit the amount of solar gain and heat losses through windows, doors and roof lights, any building should initially seek to include glazed areas that do not exceed 25% of the extension and/or whole house floor area. This is a principle that is often difficult to appreciate as the new habitable room will be performing better than the former conservatory. However, the regulations are clear.
Should design seek to include glazed areas that break that 25% threshold, there are ways for an architectural technologist to calculate a means of offsetting this by specifying for U Values in walls, floors, roofs and windows and doors that would exceed the minimum typically required.
If you have a project in mind, please do reach out to an architectural technologist for advice on feasibility and design limitations.
Ruth Kennedy-Green, Director of Membership at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), explains the organisation’s company membership scheme and its benefits for local firms.
CIOB is known across the industry as being a community made up of individual members. We have, however, offered a company membership scheme for many years, with an accreditation process not dissimilar to our process for individuals who go for chartered status.
Now revamped and expanded, our company membership offer provides more support for members and is better designed to keep pace with the needs of this ever-changing industry.
Company, a Chartered Building Consultancy, a Chartered Construction Management Company or a Chartered Construction Management Consultancy.
The very latest development is that we have launched a new directory of chartered companies. This is a powerful online tool that makes it easy for construction clientsincluding main contractors - to connect with a variety of professional, experienced firms, all committed to quality.
CIOB’S COMPANY MEMBERSHIP IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS IN OUR SECTOR TO DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES.
We have a set of revised regulations, created around feedback from members and clients and reflecting industry best practices. These regulations also provide more clarity on requirements for transparency, safety and sustainability, all key elements of any successful construction project.
This work also acknowledges that it is becoming increasingly important to clients - big and small - to work with construction companies adhering to recognised, established standards. CIOB’s company membership is an opportunity for commercial organisations in our sector to distinguish themselves, confirm their credentials and demonstrate their competence.
We believe that our chartered companies have the organisational capability to deliver not just the right skills, knowledge and experience but also the ethical behaviours that build trust, helping clients manage their liabilities, costs and reputations.
As with many of our recent developments, these updates have been driven by members. They made it clear that there is still an appetite for CIOB to continue providing a robust framework and to reflect the ever-evolving construction landscape.
As a result, we have also expanded the designations available. Depending on the focus of a company’s work, a member organisation can choose to be listed as a Chartered Building
Why have we launched a new directory?
This directory provides:
• A new landing page with information about the case for choosing a chartered company and our work to support clients
• Improved search functionality, allowing potential clients to search by name, service, and location, as well as filter by company type, specialism, sector and project value
• Detailed company profiles for each chartered company, showcasing recent projects and areas of expertise
• A mobile-friendly design, enabling easy navigation
The ‘Directory of Chartered Companies’ is now live on the CIOB website and being promoted by my colleagues and many of our members.
Much of our work to support construction companies sits alongside our work to support construction clients - our latest update on that work is the release of a new edition of our “Client Guide: Leading Projects in the Built Environment”, now available for free from the CIOB website.
The former Chair of the Guernsey Construction Forum (GCF), John Bampkin, explains the organisation’s move to become part of the Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association (GBTEA), and what that means for the industry.
The GCF has been amalgamated into the subcommittee for government liaison of the GBTEA with immediate effect … so why the change?
The GCF was formed four years ago as a successor to the Construction Industry Forum, which itself was set up in the early 2000s to provide a mechanism for the industry to engage with the States of Guernsey and its various committees on matters such as infrastructure projects and house building. The GCF has provided a valuable conduit for the construction industry to understand future States’ workload and other policies that will impact the industry, as well as providing feedback from industry.
The concept:
Create a single organisation to continue the good work carried out by both, with a strong unified voice within the industry and externally.
Essentials:
1. Respect and maintain the constitution and governance of GBTEA in the eyes of its paying members to ensure legitimacy.
2. Maintain the profile and momentum GCF has built with government in terms of lobbying power and network of contacts.
THE MORE REPRESENTATION WE GET WITHIN THE GBTEA, THE MORE LEGITIMATE OUR VOICE BECOMES.
Against this background, discussions started earlier this year between GBTEA and GCF on how representation and interaction between the construction industry and government could be improved. This was the genesis of a proposal to merge the two organisations, whilst harnessing the key strengths of both, i.e. GCF’s access to expertise covering the whole range of the construction industry alongside long-standing relationships with key figures in government, while recognising the long-established organisation structure, reputation and depth of membership provided by the GBTEA.
As the two parties looked into this project, we saw it could provide a number of important benefits:
• A single clear voice with the ability to represent the whole of the industry.
• Improved communications between businesses within the industry, from builders to professional services.
• Access to a wide range of expertise on all aspects of local construction.
The enlarged association of the GBTEA, which was traditionally more tradesmen orientated, is now looking to represent a wider section of the industry. We have made great progress in broadening our membership base, and are actively seeking more architects, consultants, surveyors etc. to join so we can be fully representative.
The more representation we get within the GBTEA, the more legitimate our voice becomes. Our aim is to ensure that by working with government we can help shape the island’s construction industry and the type of work it is expected to undertake, and provide Guernsey with an industry we can all be proud of.
We recognise we need to continue our work to improve the professionalism, the competitiveness and the quality of the services we provide and to work ethically and safely to the benefit of all in the Bailiwick. The recent changes to the GCF and GBTEA will allow us to work both sides of the coin with a single voice.
For me, it’s business as usual and I, along with the other members of my sub-committee, will be working on strengthening our relationships with the re-elected Deputies and getting to know the new ones.
Gavin Spencer, Senior Business Development Manager, APM, considers whether Channel Island project professionals are ready to optimise the use of AI.
The future of AI is arriving faster than many expected — and project professionals in the Channel Islands are taking notice. A recent survey by the Association for Project Management (APM) reveals a confident but cautious embrace of AI, with 100% of respondents in the region reporting their organisations are either already using AI (59%) or planning to integrate it into their projects soon (41%).
“People will always play an important role in an AI-enabled world,” says Ed Mason-Smith, lead for APM’s Channel Islands Regional Network. “Skilled project professionals who can engage stakeholders, source reliable data, and utilise AI tools effectively will be vital for business success.”
AI’S SUDDEN RISE IN THE WORKPLACE HAS OUTPACED EXPECTATIONS.
Yet while enthusiasm is high, the survey also highlights a significant readiness gap: 39% of respondents say their organisations haven’t fully prepared project teams for the transition. This disconnect could pose real challenges for employers hoping to unlock AI’s full potential in their project environments.
More use than anticipated
AI’s sudden rise in the workplace has outpaced expectations. Two-thirds of project professionals across the Channel Islands say they are now using AI more than they anticipated five years ago. According to the survey, project teams expect AI to deliver a wide range of benefits, from streamlining routine admin tasks (57%) to enabling smarter decision-making (43%) and providing more consistent reporting (43%). There’s also optimism about cost reduction (39%), improved cybersecurity (35%), and more accurate data analysis (33%). However, integrating AI into existing workflows isn’t without hurdles.
Training, ethics, and integration
Project professionals already using AI report two main challenges: integrating AI into existing systems and addressing ethical concerns. These findings point to a critical takeaway - having the right tools is only part of the equation. Organisations must also ensure their people are equipped to use those tools effectively and responsibly.
He adds that implementing AI is, in itself, a complex project. “Concerns around integration, accuracy, data protection and ethical usage must be addressed head-on. Organisations who ensure their teams are properly equipped to deliver such projects will find themselves with a strong competitive advantage.”
Supporting the project community
To help professionals rise to the challenge, APM’s Channel Islands Regional Network is hosting two free events. Open to both emerging and experienced professionals, the events aim to support career development and encourage progress toward Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status.
Beyond regional efforts, APM is also building resources through its AI and Data Analytics Interest Network - a platform for industry practitioners and academics to share best practices and explore how AI and data analysis can enhance project delivery.
With technology advancing at speed, the question for many organisations isn’t whether to adopt AI, it’s how fast they can adapt. For project professionals in the Channel Islands, the enthusiasm is clearly there. The challenge now is making sure teams are trained, supported, and ready to lead the next wave of AI-enabled transformation.
For more details or to register, visit www.apm.org.uk
Andrew Mills, Chair of the Guernsey Occupational Safety and Health Association (GOSHA), looks at the risks of the legionella bacterium and the responsibilities of building owners.
The legionella bacterium is something most of us have heard of, yet relatively few know much about. It is in all the water we use but, thankfully, in such small quantities, it does us no harm.
Yet, if it is allowed to build and multiply, droplets of water containing bacteria can be inhaled and can cause serious harm and death, particularly to:
• people over 45 years of age;
• people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease;
• anyone with an impaired immune system;
We have few Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP) in Guernsey - guidance which must be implemented to fulfil the requirements of our health and safety law - but we do have one for legionella. It details control measures which must be implemented.
You can find a copy of the ACoP and some very helpful guidance at www.gov.gg/legionella. Here is some of it:
MANAGEMENT OF THE BACTERIUM REQUIRES A PROACTIVE, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ONGOING APPROACH
• smokers and heavy drinkers.
Its name comes from the first published public incident in 1976, where a group of military veterans (legionnaires) met in a US hotel and a number (182) became seriously ill and 29 died from the effects of the legionella bacterium.
While the bacterium is generally harmless to us in the water we use, it can multiply to a dangerous extent in still water between a temperature range of 20 degrees centigrade and 50 degrees centigrade. That may include many water tanks, spa pools and much pipework in Guernsey, especially those water systems which are not regularly used or are still for long periods.
We are fortunate that the States of Guernsey recognises the potential dangers and manages the bacterium proactively in public property, especially in our hospital, leisure centre and in our schools.
Management of the bacterium requires a proactive, knowledgeable and ongoing approach, implemented by suitably trained staff, to ensure it is not a danger.
The ACoP requires ‘those in control of buildings with its cooling towers and water systems (property owner / facilities manager / building occupiers) to adopt suitable means to control legionella in their premises. Therefore, water systems within the workplace must not pose a risk to health so far as is reasonably practicable.’
Hazards can especially arise from cooling towers (many associated with air conditioning), showers, taps, jacuzzis, whirlpool spas and water tanks. In particular, unoccupied buildings can be especially hazardous.
The initial symptoms of legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of flu, including high temperatures, fevers and chills; coughs; muscle pains; and headaches. It can then lead on to more serious symptoms such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and signs of mental confusion. Luckily, the disease is not known to spread from person to person.
Businesses, charities and other organisations in Guernsey must follow the provisions of the Guernsey ACoP and the guidance given by our Health & Safety Executive. It is part of our law. If you are unsure as to what is required or what is needed, ask an expert to help you. It could save you a lot of hassle and it could save somebody’s life.
The brainchild of local architecture firm, The Drawing Room, and supported by Rihoy & Son, the ‘Build for Good’ initiative did exactly that – transforming the Guernsey Counselling Service’s premises into a space appropriate for their important work.
The Guernsey Counselling Service (GCS) is a registered charity offering professional counselling to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Earlier this year, it acquired its first permanent premises, but its new home required significant work to be fit for purpose.
For director at The Drawing Room, Rachel Rogers, and her team, it was the perfect opportunity. She said the studio had been keen to undertake a significant charity project for some time, but wanted to ensure that both the timing and the need were the right fit for what they could offer: “We were clear from the start that we wanted to choose a project that we could add real value to. We wanted it to be something that would make a meaningful difference to the community and that would also benefit from the design flair we could bring to the project.”
Construction firm Rihoy & Son was also keen to get on board and lend its time and expertise. Together the companies offered GCS a full service, with The Drawing Room completing the design, worth £10,000, and Rihoy’s undertaking the construction work, worth £30,000.
The refurbished space now includes three counselling rooms, a waiting area, and an office. With the charity’s guidance, Rachel and her team were able to design something that both suited its specific needs and worked with the constraints of the building: “It is a States-owned building so there were certain restrictions in what we could do. We also had a limited budget for the work as we were also asking local suppliers to support the project. We therefore came up with some creative ideas, such as using beautiful panelling to
hide unattractive trunking that we couldn’t remove. We worked with the charity to really understand their requirements, so they directed us that all the colours and artwork needed to be very calming, and there was a request for the capacity for gentle background music as that can help service users.”
Along with making it aesthetically pleasing and feel calm and safe, there were practical considerations Rachel and her team needed to factor into the design due to the nature of the charity’s work.
“We divided one large room into two, so the dividing wall that was installed needed to be acoustically sound to ensure nobody could overhear the sessions,” said Rachel.
“Window blinds had to be installed to ensure privacy, and the new front door that was installed has an intelligent doorbell system to ensure the counsellors can monitor patients’ arrival. There were also smaller things that needed to be considered, such as the seats needing to face each other in the counselling rooms and making sure there was somewhere to place easily accessible tissues. We learned a lot during the process.”
For both firms, the project was run like any other commercial scheme – with regular site meetings and a scheduled programme
of work. With a nine-week turnaround it was a efficiently run programme, which stayed on track throughout.
Head of Bespoke Works at Rihoy’s, Dave Whitby, said the project aligned with the company’s sponsorship and charitable aims:: “This is a project we’re really proud to have been involved with. A lot of our sponsorship revolves around youth and sport, but when we spoke with GCS they mentioned the benefit their services have for many younger people so we felt this was a good fit for us. It’s great to see something that will benefit many people over time; not only for those using the service, but also to give those volunteering their time and expertise a suitable environment to work in. It all shows what can be done when local organisations come together with a shared goal.”
With the doors now open to the new GCS space, Counselling Director Sarah said the charity is already benefiting from the project: “The transformation is incredible, and the space reflects the professionalism and care we bring to every counselling session. We are immensely grateful to Build for Good – this is more than just a building, it’s a foundation for the future of our service.”
WE WORKED WITH THE CHARITY TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THEIR REQUIREMENTS, SO THEY DIRECTED US THAT ALL THE COLOURS AND ARTWORK NEEDED TO BE VERY CALMING, AND THERE WAS A REQUEST FOR THE CAPACITY FOR GENTLE BACKGROUND MUSIC AS THAT CAN HELP SERVICE USERS.
Alongside The Drawing Room and Rihoy & Son , a number of other local suppliers supported the project. These included:
A C Surveys Ltd
All Aspects Plumbing & Heating
Auburn Indoors
Bora Studio
Bright Electrical
Cortex
GFF
Granite Le Pelley
Grow Limited
JK Blinds
Normandie (HSPC)
Norman Piette
Ross Yeates
Office Works
Q3
Sarah Froome Photography
Sensible
Smith Signs
Swan Joinery
Funding for some of the refurbishment cost was also generously provided by the Guernsey Community Foundation.
Architectural student James Langlois has won the renowned international award ‘The EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Open 2025’ for his student project centred on a derelict swimming pool complex in Marseille.
Competing against 80 other entries for the prestigious prize, James’ project was judged against those from member countries of the Council of Europe, South East Asia and Australasia. But his final student project, ‘Poolside Politics’, saw him be the one recognised for his work at the awards ceremony at the Venice Biennale earlier this summer.
The project was a comprehensively considered scheme to restore and reimagine a controversially defunded community swimming pool complex located on the outskirts of Marseille.
For James, the project was one he was inspired by as soon as he came across the site: “It was built in the 1970s and was such an important facility for the community, it’s hard to believe that a decision was made to close it down. Now it’s incredibly dilapidated and despite promises by various politicians to reopen it, nothing has been done. When I saw it and learned more about it, I had so many ideas about how it could be used.”
Once James had selected the Marseille site he proposed a citizen led project that implemented a construction-based activism to introduce low-cost housing, self-sufficient food cultivation and reestablish local industry through the production of Marseille’s historic soap.
Reopening the Olympic size swimming pool and community baths for the public would also aim to rejuvenate the former oasis and return it to the citizens of Marseille.
James believes that combination of factors led to his success in the competition: “I think it was the social element along with the use of architecture as a vehicle for change. The project also placed a lot of emphasis on the environmental considerations while creating diverse uses for the site. I believe the judges respected the fact it was a municipal space, which are often areas not given enough attention. Finally, I think nostalgia played a part in their approach to the project, as they said they could really relate to the idea of places of personal importance and relevance being defunded and privatised.”
For James, the project is a reflection of the type of work he aspires to create in his professional life: “Like many architects, I would love to work on cultural projects such as museums, galleries and community spaces. I believe they can lend themselves to some of the most creative and rewarding work, as cultural projects are often more socially focused than purely commercial endeavours. I don’t believe that architecture can solve human problems, but I do believe that good architecture can help facilitate change, and I’d love to be a part of that in the future.”
James grew up in Guernsey and studied at the Grammar school. His interest in architecture grew from involvement in his parents’ architectural practice and his design projects in Design and Technology.
He attended Liverpool University School of Architecture where he was nominated for the prestigious RIBA President’s Bronze Award. He then achieved a distinction in his Architectural MA at the University of Westminster, where he was also nominated for the RIBA President’s Silver Award and received the RIBA West London ‘Best Student Project’ Award.
James is currently working at Piercy & Co in London as a Part II architectural assistant, and is looking to start his Part III qualification early next year to become fully qualified as a chartered architect.
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