Guernsey Press

Landmark sculpture could be sited at the end of Crown Pier

A SCULPTURE, Little Mermaid-esque in its visitor appeal and ties to the locality, could soon take pride of place on Victoria Pier as the latest phase of the seafront enhancement is unveiled.

Published
Deputy Charles Parkinson, left, and Chris Humber on top of the Round Top Stores which will be home to a sculpture which they hope will have the appeal of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid (Picture by Adrian Miller, 25949520)

Art lover and collector Chris Humber will be commissioning a sculpture that he hopes Guernsey people and tourists will take to their heart and be instantly recognisable as an island landmark.

It has been announced by the Seafront Enhancement Area steering group that, as well as the potential sculpture backed by Mr Humber and Archer & Braun Architects, Thai food specialists Atan will provide al fresco dining too.

They will be on the Round Top Stores, the underused end of Victoria Pier which makes up the seaward side of the Careening Hard.

It was one of six sites that the group asked the public for their input on.

This resulted in over 350 ideas, as well as 35 formal expressions of interest.

Deputy Charles Parkinson said: ‘The steering group were really impressed by both proposals, and believe that the proposals will offer something for both locals and tourists. These two proposals complement each other very well, and will enhance this prominent space in the St Peter Port Harbour in line with the views of the public.’

Both parties now have a six-month period to finalise and confirm their plans, both internally and with the States.

The sculpture will take the upper area of the stores with a plinth on which the artwork will be displayed and the lower area will be used by Atan.

Mr Humber said: ‘There are so many green spaces for sport in Guernsey but there are not enough white spaces for art. We have here an opportunity to create a sculpture to become synonymous with the island.

‘I want Guernsey people to take this piece to their hearts. In truth, there is not enough for cruise passengers to do and eventually we hope in time that people come here specifically for this – to say I have been there. Like the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen or the Manneken Pis in Brussels.’

Tan and Paul Blondin, from Atan, said: ‘Our proposal will be a fresh and new dining experience created from the land and sea of Guernsey, influenced by Asia.’

The announcement comes in the wake of Vive La Vallette’s successful bid for two more enhancement sites at La Vallette.

The steering group is expected to make announcements on the remaining sites soon.