Corporate boxes approved for KGV

CORPORATE boxes are coming to the island. King George V Field is to have four purpose-built boxes in the roof of the main clubhouse opened by HRH Princess Anne 18 years ago.

Five-year leases for the four rooms, all with their own balcony, have been agreed with St Jacques Rugby Club, Total Cobo and Optimists cricket clubs and a local businessman.

The development, which has in-principle permission from the IDC, is part of major refurbishments at the home of Guernsey cricket, St Jacques RFC and Port City FC.

Jeff Guilbert, chairman of the KGV management committee, is excited by the plans which come as a result of the sports club making a substantial annual profit for the first time.

He said that even when the clubhouse was originally built, it had been envisaged that the large roof area could be converted into accommodation.

'The idea of the boxes was to facilitate the development of upstairs,' said Guilbert.

'It's a big area,' he added.

'Each box will have its own balcony, its own sliding doors onto the balcony and clubs can even put their own memorabilia up there.

'We will lay on service to each box at a cost.

'IDC have given permission in principle and we're waiting for working drawings to go back in.

'Realistically, we're looking at another three months before they can start, so they won't be ready for this cricket season,' he said.

Guilbert, a St Jacques diehard, said the benefit to a club was that it could make it its own.

On the same level, KGV is also planning a new pool and snooker area, while on the current first floor, a new bar and kitchen will be fitted.

The existing ventilation system also requires work.

'We anticipate the project to cost around £60,000. Our financial base is now on a stable footing and we're starting to plough money back into the set-up.'