Following a period of what some residents described as a ‘quiet phase’, the site has seen a renewed push in activity, with dozens of builders working on the foundations and clearing the land.
The Bella Luce, which closed its doors three years ago, is being transformed from a 21-room, four-star hotel into a high-end, 14-room boutique establishment.
During the project, the entire hotel has been demolished, with the exception of the 17th-century longhouse, which is being restored and revamped into a two-storey restaurant with an open kitchen.
While the foundations of the new hotel seem to have come along, the listed long house, which was gutted earlier on in the work, is shrouded in scaffolding and still has no roof.
Nearby residents have expressed their support for the project. Ilze Davidson, who lives near the site, said she was feeling ‘positive’ about the work and said it would be ‘good for the area once it’s done’.
While acknowledging the noise and inconvenience from traffic delays, she said that contractors have provided regular updates informing residents of affected works.
Sir John Collins, another neighbour, described the project as ‘terrific’. He commended the contractors for their good communication.
‘They are being very good at keeping all the roads clean and guiding us when the big lorries of concrete are coming in,’ he said, adding that residents had been given a contact number to raise any issues.
Despite a little bit of disruption, both residents are optimistic about the outcome. Sir John said he believed that the new hotel ‘should be beautiful when it’s finished’. He hoped that would be soon, though he estimated a finishing date around the middle of 2027.
The Guernsey Press contacted the developer for comment, but did not get a response. The most recent update came at the start of this year.
Developer Green Giant Ltd has previously said it is aiming to create a world-class hotel, spa and restaurant on the St Martin’s site.
New business conference spaces, a bar, and a gym will also be constructed, with the new rooms described as ‘sleek and modern’.
The development has been described by leading figures in tourism as significant for the industry.
It is one of a number of developments under way or poised to start.
Earlier this year Charlie Walker from the Little Big Group, also a member of the Tourism Management Board, said such a project would ‘put Guernsey back on the map’.
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