Planning permission has been granted for a change of use, allowing the team behind the project to press ahead with detailed designs, ahead of a planned tender process next year.
Victor Hugo Centre chairman Larry Malcic said this approval marked a ‘fundamental and important milestone’ for the project.
‘We’ve of course made significant progress already, but having the planning consent granted means that we will now continue to develop the detailed design and the tender documents,’ he said.
The planning process took a little over seven weeks, and Mr Malcic had praised the work of the planners and local architects.
‘I must say that the planners have worked very diligently, and DLM Architects have prepared a very thorough set of drawings,’ he said.
Work will now continue on the detailed design between the architects and exhibition designer Casson Mann, which is developing seven galleries telling the story of Victor Hugo’s life and his relationship with Guernsey.
The centre will have three main elements – a museum and interpretation centre, a performance and exhibition space and a dedicated learning hub for children and students, engagement and community activity.
‘It’s really a legacy project,’ said Mr Malcic.
‘The vision has always been to both recognise Victor Hugo as Guernsey’s most famous resident, and to celebrate the island as an island of inspiration.’
Hugo arrived in the island in 1855, aged 53, not having published anything of great significance for more than a decade.
‘Within a year of his arrival, he published his most famous book of poetry, followed it up with Les Miserables, and the majority of his famous novels were all written in Guernsey,’ said Mr Malcic.
‘I think that is something that the island should be celebrating. And I say the “island of inspiration” because it’s not only inspired Hugo, but continues to inspire a very vital and diverse creative community today.’
Fundraising for the centre continues, with the organisation hoping to raise the £10m. capital needed to complete the project, as well as establish an endowment to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.
The interpretation centre will be complemented by space for contemporary artists and the wider creative community, while the learning hub will use Hugo’s work to inspire youngsters.
‘They can actually, using Hugo as a catalyst, explore their own imagination and creativity,’ said Mr Malcic.
He said the centre also had the potential to appeal to overseas visitors, particularly those from France.
‘Hugo is an icon in France,’ he said.
‘And especially with the new ferry service through Brittany Ferries, we’re getting 6-800 French visitors a day – all of whom know about Hugo, but won’t necessarily know the strong relationship that he developed over his more than 15 years on the island.’
The project is expected to go out to tender early next year, with construction due to begin in late spring 2027.
The aim is for the Victor Hugo Centre to be ready in late spring 2029.
The centre is continuing its community and educational programme for the remainder of the year, including events marking the 160th anniversary of Toilers of the Sea.
In October actor Patrick Dickson is set to perform a play called The Brainstorm, highlighting the process of Victor Hugo writing his love letter to Guernsey.
The team is also collaborating with local schools on a series of interactive Toilers of the Sea events, with the support of the Social Investment Fund and artist James Kitts.
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