£10m. St James’ Place development takes shape

St James’ Place is being built by Comprop on the site of the former Guernsey prison opposite St James.

The project has been delayed by the Covid lockdowns and is now set to be finished a couple of months after its original due date.

The prison was demolished in the early 2000s and for many years the empty site was used as a car park.

The new offices have 19 secure underground parking spaces, as well as space for motorcycles and bicycles.

Work started on the four-floor, 18,000 sq. ft building in October last year and was originally set to be completed next spring.

‘The Covid lockdowns have had an effect on the project and, as we return to some normality, the main issue is actually procuring materials and labour,’ said Comprop managing director Steve Marie.

‘However, we are pleased to report that the project has only suffered a slight delay and is on track to be completed in July 2022.’

He said that three of the four floors will be leased to Grant Thornton, and interest has been expressed in the ground floor.

‘The project team are working with Grant Thornton to deliver a fit out to meet their requirements and specification.’

Rihoy & Son is carrying out the work and surveying director Steve Moores said the steel frame is now completed and the metal deck upper floors are about to be installed.

‘This office is a contemporary design with fully glazed facades and sweeping curves,’ he said.

‘It will become a fantastic addition to Guernsey’s contemporary architecture.’

Work to fit out the offices for Grant Thornton is set to start soon after Christmas.

‘It’s great to see confidence riding high in Guernsey’s financial services sector and exciting to be a part of delivering their built environment,’ Mr Moores added.