Developer releases details for former prison site
DETAILS of an office block to be built opposite St James have been released by developer Comprop.
St Peter Port douzaine objected to the plans, with senior constable Dennis Le Moignan saying the approved design would ‘stick out like a sore thumb’.
The douzaine believed the design was insensitive to iconic structures such as St James, the Royal Court and Bonamy House, that the scale would not complement nearby or adjoining properties and that the site demands design of the highest order.
The £10m. development on part of the site of the former prison will bring 18,000sq. ft of office space to the heart of St Peter Port’s legal district, next to the Royal Court.
The company acquired the site without planning approval last year after a States tender process.
‘The development demonstrates Comprop’s continued confidence and commitment to Guernsey and is another significant private investment in the island’s infrastructure by the company,’ said managing director Steve Marie.
Due to the site’s prime position among buildings of significance, Comprop wanted to ensure a design sensitive to the immediately surrounding environment and also for the development to be iconic in order to reflect the nature of businesses that may want to operate from it.
The company, and its design team, have therefore worked closely with the Development & Planning Authority on application details throughout the planning process.
The new building offers four floors of office accommodation with a total floor area of just over 18,000sq. ft and 19 secure underground car parking spaces, along with space for motorcycle and bicycle parking.
The company plans to build to the highest quality and environmentally conscious specifications. ‘We are aware that there is demand for new-build office accommodation as the business sector is busy with upsizing of current businesses, mergers and acquisitions, leading to companies wanting to operate from one building with the added benefit that any business moving will create space it leaves behind,’ said Mr Marie.
‘A new building in this location provides a statement premises, allowing businesses to compete on an international platform.
‘The new building, St James Place, is one of the few remaining sites in St Peter Port that can provide flexible office accommodation for medium to larger size businesses to help maximise their potential – so supporting the expansion of the business community as a whole,’ said Mr Marie.
The building is offered to the market on a pre-let basis by Jo Watts of Watts & Co.
