Finding a new use for office space
MORE good news for the Guernsey economy that, less than a year after losing its anchor tenant for the final part of the construction of Admiral Park, Comprop has secured new tenants and is going ahead with the build.
Islanders will have been heartened to see the positive impact made in the area by the new Premier Inn hotel, offices and the restaurant Good Rebel on the road frontage in Elizabeth Avenue over the past few months.
The conclusion of the Admiral Park construction project, after more than 20 years, will no doubt come as some relief to the landowners and the States.
Some office space remains to be let, but the majority of the new build space has gone, and the developers says they are confident that premium space with a large floor area will be in high demand. The first tenants should move in in mid-2024.
The drive for firms to take up the most modern office space leaves a conundrum for the States, however.
With so much office space set to be vacated, or already sitting redundant, with little or no prospect of any new tenant, moves to rezone these properties must begin apace.
If there is no demand for this now-vacant property to continue to be used as offices, then Town as a whole would benefit from a quick rezoning process, especially if redevelopment as units of accommodation would be seen as the most realistic new use.