Little Chapel Foundation wants tearoom and gift shop on site

‘Once renovations are complete at the end of Easter we will approach the States to request money for future developments,’ said Little Chapel Foundation chairman John Silvester.

‘We want to stand on our own two feet but we don’t want to have to charge for entry.’

Mr Silvester said the grounds are an attraction and future plans will transform the site by providing an information centre, tearoom, gift shop, toilets, and entrance gate.

The additional money raised from these facilities will pay not only for annual maintenance of around £50,000 but support other charities as proceeds will be donated to the AGC.

£100,000 was raised for initial restorations of the chapel itself but the foundation hopes future facilities on the site will generate further income.

The site is valued at approximately £1m. but has the potential to be more than twice that should aspired plans be completed.

Currently there are limited facilities on site, which is said to affect visitor numbers.

‘After people have toured the chapel there is not much to see, we need more to encourage people to stay longer,’ he said.

The Little Chapel Foundation has been working on the chapel itself and the surrounding grounds with more than 35 local businesses.

It hopes to provide disabled access, safer pathways, tree maintenance and general rejuvenation.

‘We want everyone to come and see what the chapel has to offer and hopefully leave a donation to make sure it remains an attraction for generations to come.

To design the grounds, the foundation has the support of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Crown winner Stephen Welch and received a donation from Floral Guernsey.

They will look to revive the grounds from their current state giving the Little Chapel grounds to grow and expand without the need for further reliance on third party donations.

Plans have been broken down into five phases, the first of which is now under way and is hoped to be completed by Easter this year.

This will see the full restoration of the chapel and grotto, including the addition of a ramp and widening of the entrance.

For the first time visitors with a disability will be able to enter the chapel. Further phases include plans for the grounds, entrance building, additional parking spaces, cafe, and gift shop.

The foundation hopes all of these will provide an income stream for future repair work, maintenance and developments.

n The foundation estimates 50% of the 70,000 visitors a year leave a donation totalling around £40,000 per year.

£1,000 a week is required for upkeep and repairs in the chapel meaning other local charities are relied on for the remaining £10,000 a year.