Creasey’s plans multimillion pound High Street expansion
CREASEY’S is planning a multimillion-pound makeover for the former HSBC building, in a bid to increase the number of brands offered, improve the rooftop cafe and better compete with online businesses.
The local business already owns the building on the east of the High Street, which the bank closed in 2017.
Creasey’s managing director Peter Creasey said they were excited by the plans.
‘This is a massive, multimillion-pound investment which will carry our business into the next few decades,’ he said.
‘Everyone knows how tough retail is at the moment, but we could not resist the opportunity presented by the closure of HSBC’s branch at 13, High Street.
‘We know a lot of shopping is now done online, but we also know that many islanders and visitors still enjoy the social experience of a visit to town.
‘We absolutely believe in the future of the High Street and we will be looking to make shopping and spending time in St Peter Port a really satisfying experience.’
The new space will allow Creasey’s to introduce more services, which could include hair dressing, nail bars and beauty rooms.
The changes will also help Creasey’s address many of the difficulties experienced by those with mobility issues. Floors will be step-free and the lift and escalators will make visiting any of the levels easier for everyone.
Changes are also planned for the rooftop cafe. Mr Creasey said the cafe area would not increase, but they were planning to improve some of the facilities, such as the bathrooms, which need updating.
There will also be an area of outside seating, with room for up to 20 people on the terrace.
The former bank building is sandwiched between the Creasey’s department store and Marks & Spencer.
Creasey’s owns the local Marks & Spencer franchise and opened a quayside cafe there last year.
Mr Creasey said that did not draw people away from the Creasey’s cafe. ‘They cater to different customers,’ he said.
It has taken several months to draw up the proposal and the planners will now have to consider the application. The building is listed and in a conservation area.
Mr Creasey said they planned to keep the granite facade, but inside there was nothing of historic interest.
‘Internally it’s been torn about so many times, so there is nothing left of historic significance, so we are not expecting any problems,’ he said.
It is hoped that if the plans are approved, work might start by the middle of 2020, being completed during 2021.
. The plans are available to view at Sir Charles Frossard House.
