Rihoy & Son has been working on the former HSBC bank building at 13 High Street for 27 months, with the property being gutted to create a modern shop.
‘This will probably stand the test of time for the next 20 to 30 years,’ said the store's general manager, Stephen Mewha.
It has been a £12.5m. investment, with the scaffolding beginning to feel like a permanent seafront feature – but behind the scenes and outside of the opening hours, a team of staff and builders have worked magic to transform the old building into a new retail outlet.
‘I am delighted that the first phase of our project has been completed,’ said Mr Mewha.
‘Demonstrating Creasey's ongoing commitment to high street bricks-and-mortar retailing, delivering new brands in an amazing new store.
‘As general manager I’m exceptionally proud.
‘I don’t think I’ve had time for it to sink in yet.’
In a first phase, departments for lingerie, handbags and women’s clothing will relocate into the newly-finished premises.
The store has introduced new brands to its women’s clothing range, including Tommy Hilfiger, Only, and Selected, and expanded its stock of existing ones.
Mr Mewha joined Creasey’s in August 2022, after a 30-year career running department stores across the UK and Ireland for Debenhams and House of Fraser.
He said he had previous experiences with large store refurbishments, but that extra special attention and thought had gone into every detail of this design.
Local tradesmen have designed and crafted the railings and fixtures, and original architectural features of the former bank – including its granite walls that were uncovered during demolition – have been integrated into the sleek new design, protecting the building’s heritage.
The weight that used to work the old lift is now a statement mirror, and glimpses of historic wallpaper have been left up.
‘Guernsey people are very proud of their heritage and we’ve tried to retain that,’ said Mr Mewha.
‘I think it’s brilliant what the family have done – investing into the future with a proper department store for years to come. We’re holding our own on the high street and it’s good that we’re doing it.’
More than 1,000 tonnes of rubble have been removed to make space for the new floors. New escalators have been installed, and the lift makes use of the former lift shaft in the next door Marks & Spencer building.
With a total of five floors, the store is set to bring lots more brands, job opportunities and choice to the High Street and local customers.
Mr Mewha said there was another year remaining before the entire project reached completion and all new departments opened.
Plans included a new restaurant with an outdoor terrace on the top floor overlooking Guernsey’s iconic seafront views.
There will also be an 'athleisure' department, and potentially yoga and other exercise class opportunities will be made available, as well as significant improvements to the cosmetics department, incorporating new brands and beauty treatments.
A member of the Creasey family will cut the ribbon to the new building at 9.15am on Saturday.
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