In April, the Vive La Vallette Group was granted a period of exclusivity to negotiate with States Property Services as part of the seafront enhancement project.
A spokesman for the group said that constructive negotiations are ongoing and it is hoped they will conclude in the near future so phase one of the project can be completed in time for Guernsey’s hosting of the NatWest Island Games in June 2021.
Over the past few months, the group have completed designs which are ready to be submitted to Planning officials, confirmed costings for phase one of the development for £1.5m. and established Vive La Vallette LBG and its branding.
Members of the Vive La Vallette group spoke about the importance of maintaining a free space with access for all to take part in more community-based projects on the land behind the bathing pools.
‘We don’t want to change too much of what’s here, we just want to add to what there is already and enhance the area to encourage usage,’ group architect David De La Mare, of DLM Architects, said.
‘We want to keep the kiosk-feel of the area, our vision is not to have a fancy restaurant but to have a kiosk or cafe selling good quality and affordable food.’
The aim is to encourage people in bathing suits, work suits, wellington boots or hiking boots to use the area after walking on the cliffs, after work, on lunch breaks and at weekends.
Steve Sharman, a Vive La Vallette group member, said they hoped to maintain the community feel of the area in a space that can be used 365 days a year.
‘Yoga classes, art exhibitions, meetings, music performances and activities to improve mental and physical health are all part of the vision of what the land at La Vallette can be used for,’ he said.
The group is working to reach an agreement with the States whereby government would look after maintenance of the pools and roads.
‘These aspects have been looked after by volunteers in the past but we want to create a mechanism where the States will protect and maintain what is already there,’ Mr Sharman said.
‘The States have been incredibly supportive and we hope together we will encourage more islanders to come and enjoy the fantastic facility.’
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