Savills wants to use former Urban Kitchen site as its HQ
THE former Urban Kitchen site could be turned into the head offices of Savills, if a planning application is approved.
Savills Channel Islands Ltd. has submitted the application to change the use of units 2 and 3 at Royal Terrace, Glategny Esplanade, from retail to administrative, financial and professional services.
It is the intention to use these units as Savills Channel Islands head office.
Black Swans Ltd acquired the site in 2012 and fitted it out as a restaurant and bar, trading as Urban Kitchen, which closed in 2018.
Since then, the premises have been vacant and has been marketed by Lovell & Partners Ltd.
Savills currently have two premises in St Peter Port, one on Smith Street which the company has now outgrown after staff numbers doubled from eight to 16.
The second office is at 1, Le Truchot, and is the base for 14 employees.
A spokesperson for the company said in the application: ‘The objective has always been to bring both operations into a single building to benefit from the synergies that will enable Savills to continue expanding its service lines, client care and the number of employees.’
They believe having commercial and residential operations in a single office will not only mean they can offer a more comprehensive service to clients, but allow the Guernsey office to continue as the headquarters of the combined Channel Island business, which covers Jersey as well.
Current staff levels of 30 could expand to 36 or 38 following the acquisition of this property.
In a letter from planners, it said there is potential for the existing retail use to be changed to office use, if it can be demonstrated that it will support the objective of ensuring the main centre of St Peter Port will remain an attractive focal point for economic and social activity.
