Eviction threat feels like 'the final nail in our coffin'
THE LAST surviving full-time stonemasons’ yard on the island is facing a dilemma as it gets closer to what its owner describes as an inevitable eviction from its current space.
Lance Vaudin, owner of Vaudin Stonemasons Ltd, has been renting industrial space at Fontaine and Belgrave vineries for years. He has long known that the States intended to use the site as part of future development plans, but over time other light industry companies using the site have been assisted in relocating, he says. Mr Vaudin said he is one of the last companies remaining.
‘The States found land for all the other tenants, but not us,’ he said. ‘I think they’re being as helpful as they can, but there’s not banks of land on Guernsey for them to offer.’
The States said officers had worked closely with tenants on the site to ensure they all had considerable notice to find replacement premises.
‘We have also sought to actively help tenants find alternative accommodation. As a result, the majority of tenants have been successfully relocated to Griffiths Yard and there are plans in place for many of the remaining tenants to relocate to an alternative site,’ said the States.
‘Given the need for additional housing stock in the island, this site is significant.’
The needs of Mr Vaudin’s business are specialised, making it difficult for him to find a location with
enough area for the right price.
‘It’s a fine line between what we need in terms of space and what we can afford,’ he said. ‘We don’t want to end up spending more in rent than we make in a year. I think it’s a bit naughty that the States will be kicking us out of this space, yet they’re still charging us full price for rent in the meantime. We haven’t been offered any financial assistance in the short term or in the long term.’
The States said Property Services had sought to work with tenants such as Mr Vaudin to find suitable alternatives. However, the States said it would be inappropriate to discuss the details of commercial arrangements.
‘Given the considerable notice provided to all tenants, there are no plans in place to offer
financial compensation,’ the States said.
Mr Vaudin described stone masonry as similar to farming in terms of land needed versus value created. He said farmers needed a of area for stock animals to graze on, but the fields themselves didn't bring in much money. Likewise, his company needed a lot of space for storing bulky materials, but the materials were often not creating much value.
‘I don’t know about the future – I’m at a loss. We’re the last surviving full-time stone yard in Guernsey. It might be that the community doesn’t care about us any more,’ said Mr Vaudin.
‘It really makes me question what society wants. This almost feels like the final nail in the coffin for stone masonry in Guernsey.’
Even if he could find the perfect site for his business, Mr Vaudin is concerned that the price of relocating would be too much for him to afford.
‘It will probably cost around £300,000 to move, and that’s a big no no for me.
'When you think about moving all the bits and pieces, the cost gets phenomenal. No bank is going to lend me that amount. And to restart with that kind of burden, it’s just not going to happen,’ he said.
