Changing perceptions of the Old Quarter
THE new art gallery created in St Peter Port’s Old Quarter by the charity Art for Guernsey promised many things when it was launched at the tail-end of last year.
So far it seems to be living up to much of its billing, including hosting art workshops, lectures, events and exhibitions. At the time Art for Guernsey founder David Ummells also talked bullishly about rejuvenating the area through the art space.
‘It is a well-documented fact that art galleries and artists are a key ingredient to help rejuvenate run-down areas – the latest examples in London are Hackney, Peckham and Woolwich – and we certainly have the wider ambition to help bring life back to the Old Quarter,’ he said.
The organisation has backed up those words with a meeting involving traders from the area. Happily, plenty of ideas were raised.
More of a challenge, and in the absence of any long-term prospect of improvement until the Old Quarter is, if ever, progressed as a regeneration area of St Peter Port, is making something happen.
The temporary solutions raise include decorating empty shops, enforcing pedestrianisation, and installing more outdoor seating in the area. Traders could open their doors and edge into the street, and hold markets and street festivals. Are they possible?
Also, tellingly, it was agreed that the perceptions of Mill and Mansell Street need to change.
‘It’s perceived that there’s nothing here but there is,’ said Rik Yau, owner of Bau, which does a roaring trade, particularly with young people, most lunchtimes. ‘In essence, the street itself is neglected – it has everything it needs but it needs polish.’
Parish constable Zoe Lihou agrees that any and everyone with an interest can come up with creative ways to maximise the space and enhance the area, and she is right about the need for a clean up, whether that happens with or without landlords.
The regeneration area opportunity is exciting but needs massive and co-ordinated commitment, and plenty of cash, from many sources.
But if Art for Guernsey at the very least can inspire a clean up of the Old Quarter this spring or summer, then maybe those public perceptions of the area will start to change.