WATCH: Six-storey building will complete Admiral Park

But it is now looking very unlikely a cinema will be created on the site.

Comprop is in the process of building the new Premier Inn on the site. The latest scheme would see a 66,500sq. ft, six-storey landmark building built alongside the hotel.

Managing director Steve Marie said once planning permission was secured, work could start in June and be completed in mid-2023.

‘We believe this final phase of Admiral Park will continue to provide opportunities for local and international business, which is a key factor in the rebuilding of the economy and providing local employment,’ he said.

‘It will mean that in only four years (from 2019) the company will have invested £90m. in Guernsey through Phase 1 Admiral Park, St James Place [the former prison site on Rue Marguerite] and Phase 2 Admiral Park – a clear demonstration our ongoing commitment to the island and its future.’

The latest plans include the provision of an additional 64 cycle spaces, the completion of the already-approved car park, and amenity space to the front of the building, including a petanque court. There will also be a restaurant.

In 2019 it had been hoped the site would also include a cinema, but the developer could not find a cinema partner.

‘As we have all lived with the global pandemic over the last year, our whole landscape, including how we use “entertainment” formats, has changed,’ Mr Marie said.

‘With the massive upsurge of online access to films and other media, to meet the need for us all to obtain entertainment from our own homes, the likelihood of investment in Guernsey by an external cinema operator seems even further away.’

Despite Covid-19 pressures, two occupiers have shown an interest in occupying the new building.

‘As the government pursues initiatives to rebuild the economy, subject to obtaining planning permission, Comprop will be playing a part in assisting the construction industry and wider economy in providing an iconic building to showcase the island and investing £40m., at no cost to the taxpayer,’ Mr Marie said.

Comprop’s history with Admiral Park goes back more than 20 years. Over this time the company has transformed the derelict former gas works site into new homes, offices, Checkers (now Waitrose) and the B&Q building.

In 2019 it was announced there would be a 100-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, a multi storey car park and 30,000sq. ft of office accommodation. This office building is 75% let.

Comprop is also looking at improving the road infrastructure in the area, with a slip lane into the Waitrose/B&Q site, an extension to the left turn lane onto Les Banques, cycle pathways and improved pedestrian access.

Mr Marie said the first phase of the project was nearing its end.

‘We have, like so many businesses, suffered some delay to our programmed activity due to local and wider lockdowns,’ he said.

‘However, the Phase 1 development is moving forward with completion anticipated by early 2022.

‘The ongoing progress, despite constraints caused by the pandemic, is testament to our hard working team, including architects Lovell Ozanne and contractor JW Rihoy. We have engaged many local subcontractors and more than 120 on-site workers.’