Bella Luce Hotel closing for major development

The 21 guest rooms in the four-star hotel will be reduced to 14, with the aim of creating better spaces for the higher end of the tourist market.

Guernsey Hospitality Association chairman Alan Sillett said that while the loss of seven bedrooms is a shame, it is not a critical loss to the island’s bed stock.

An application was made by equity firm Green Giant Ltd, with permission granted at the end of August.

The application was not connected to the Wheadon family, who have been involved with the site for a number of years.

The entire building is planned for demolition, apart from the 17th century longhouse, which has had extensions added to it over the years.

It will be revamped into a two-storey, modern restaurant where the kitchen will be in full view so that guests can see their food being prepared.

‘It’s a huge overhaul,’ said project manager Matthew Hulme.

‘What we have done is looked and saw some great potential on the site, we spend a lot of time toing and froing.

‘The whole hotel is coming down with the exception of the longhouse. Around it we are going to expose it as much as possible and restore it to its former glory.’

He said the whole image of the hotel is set to change.

‘Rather than a standard boutique we are trying to create a real destination.

‘We want to really put the Bella Luce up there as a premier destination in the Channel Islands – and maybe even more than that.’

New spaces for business conferences and large events will be constructed, along with a new bar and gym area.

‘The rooms will be sleek and modern and very comfy,’ said Mr Hulme.

‘The whole thing will be designed for privacy and to have a discreet view of the garden. The key thing is we are passionate about preserving the old building and making it fit for modern times.’

A thatched roof will be installed for insulation and practicality purposes.

‘At the moment there are hundreds of bedrooms and self-catering units out of the visitor bed stock.

‘This is due to some being utilised for essential workers, long lets, and staff shortages. We have had enough beds available this summer.

‘But looking to the future, our sector needs to see improvements in air and sea links,’ said Mr Sillett.

He said that travel links is a pressing issue for the tourism industry.

‘Improved ferry schedules, competitive air fares and more routes are important issues for us to have the confidence to keep investing in our properties.

‘The future of tourism in the Bailiwick can be a good one, but it needs proper effort and work from government in tandem with industry to ensure that the right action is taken to make progress in these vital issues.’