Victor Hugo Centre gets top billing

The estimated £7.5m. project is being backed by the Policy & Resources Committee to attract new visitors, boost the visitor economy, and bring wider economic and social benefits.

P&R has recommended that the States provides £1 for every £2 raised from external sources, up to £2.5m. of public money.

‘I’m delighted to see that P&R have continued to support the idea of the Victor Hugo Centre, because it has so many advantages to bring to the island,’ said Victor Hugo Centre chairman Larry Malcic yesterday.

‘The match-funding is a great note of confidence in the importance and the value of the centre.’

The plan of building works and installation of exhibitions is due to commence in 2026 through to mid-2028.

It is hoped that the centre will be operationally active by July 2028.

The charity behind the plan had an exclusivity agreement with the States for the use of the former States Offices, then Visitor Information Centre, which expired at the end of last month.

That window has now been extended until the end of 2024.

‘The exclusivity period shows that the States are not looking at alternative uses for the building, as long as we continue to show progress in what we’re doing we’ll keep a good relationship,’ said Mr Malcic.

‘We’ll be talking about Hugo not just as the author and playwright and poet, but also as the advocate for social justice, equality and human rights, and these are fundamental values that Guernsey can project to the world.’

P&R believes the centre will also benefit other businesses in Town, as well as bringing a prime space to St Peter Port for creative arts to be exhibited or for events to be held.

The project also aligns with the States’ aim to develop the east coast, with one of the themes being culture, heritage, tourism and leisure.

‘When you think about the fact that Les Miserables has been successfully produced in 45 countries, if only all of the people who attended those performances were aware somehow that Guernsey can genuinely claim to be the home of Les Miserables, because it was completed and published while Hugo lived here,’ said Mr Malcic.

‘Hugo is Guernsey’s most famous resident, so we should be taking advantage of that fact and celebrating it, but also celebrating that Guernsey is an island of inspiration for the contemporary creative community today and this can become a place where they have a home in St Peter Port and in Guernsey as well.’

Mr Malcic has been in conversations with organisations such as Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, Rotary and Guernsey Finance to help to spread the centre’s message.

‘A 2028 completion date is still feasible, we are working hard as a group, it all depends on how quickly we can talk to private individuals, foundations and trusts and the people of Guernsey to help them understand how this can benefit the island, its people and Guernsey’s position in the world,’ he said.

A provision will be made in the 2026 Budget upon commitment from the Assembly.