Grow gets ready to show off its new improved site
HAVING grown from a family to a community, Grow Ltd is opening its doors to the public two years to the day since handing over the site for renovation.
The new and hugely improved two-storey facility centre at the Coutanchez site is open on Sunday afternoon for islanders to see the development.
Grow will have the facilities to train up the crew with the goal of them entering employment, as well as serving the public in the process,
‘BW Builders have gone above and behind to provide us with this facility in just under two years,’ said director Marguerite Talmage.
‘It’s really down to Gareth Billien and the team that made it so quickly, but we’re also very fortunate that people have recognised the value of Grow, and provided the funding to make this happen.’
The main greenhouse for plants and flowers has been Guernsey’s biggest recycling project, with the glass recycled from two other greenhouse sites.
For the first time, the site will have accessible toilets, one including a shower, and a lift which can accommodate an electric wheelchair. A life-skills kitchen will be a focal point of the charity, teaching skills needed to work in the on-site cafe, as well as the skills to help them at home.
‘This is where it all starts, we’re going to be promoting healthy eating, for example we can grow veg in the vinery and then bring it up to make vegetable soup,’ said training and development manager Rich Portsmouth.
‘But not just cooking, it’s things such as hand-washing and hygiene, making sure they’re clean and presentable.’
Mrs Talmage added that the ultimate aim was to get as many into employment as possible, so training would include personal hygiene, communication and self-confidence.
The new build includes additions such as a crew canteen three times the size of the old one, and a recreation room with a pool table, and gym equipment which the team are hoping to have donated.
A large workshop will also be well-used by the crew, who with professional machinery will make bird boxes, art work and pottery to sell.
There is vehicular access through the main building, connecting greenhouses at the front and back of the building, and pathways in between planters which are wide enough for a wheel chair and raised planters for people who use wheelchairs.
The open day is on Sunday between noon and 4pm.
