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If planning permission is granted there could be a number of additions made to the Guernsey Market Buildings, with centre toilets, free wifi and free charging points included in the plans.
While the lease holder of the iconic area and listed building waits to hear the outcome of a planning application, they are hoping to engage the public to ensure the enhancements planned can benefit as many people as possible.
McAulay Market Buildings Limited has arranged for a public display of the plans, so that people can view and comment on the proposed enhancements, currently submitted to planning.
The plans of the more detailed proposals can be viewed in the Inner Street of the Market Place, where feedback forms are also available for comment.
Pictured: The Inner Street at Guernsey's Market Buildings, with the proposed enhancements
The planned enhancements, that the lease holder wants public comments on, include:
Among the ideas expected to be most popular are the addition of centre toilets which will only be accessible from the Inner Street but will be available to meet the needs of the public using all of the Market Place facilities.
The leaseholder wants to offer more refreshment facilities and the addition of centre toilets has been included to support those parts of the plans. As well as having space available for things like a drinks retailer, there will be an outdoor kiosk if planning permission is granted, which will also support the temporary seating planned on the Market Terrace and the Market Square.
Pictured: The proposed kiosk which could make part of the planned enhancements to Guernsey's Market Buildings
In explaining the plans, McAulay Market Buildings Limited said: "The phenomenal success of Fresh Friday and the sale of street food has proven the demand for such outlets. The kiosk will increase the refreshment offering to visitors to the area and create additional seating to take advantage of the street performers located in the Market Square during the warmer months."
McAulay Market Buildings Limited has also listened to members of the public making calls for a return of the traditional Guernsey Market by making space available to retailers wanting to sell fresh produce on a regular basis: "In response to a local forum, and after discussion regarding traders requirements, cast iron retail units are proposed as shown and located within the Inner Street."
The leaseholder also wants to "increase the awareness of the retail units fronting onto the Market Square" explaining that as the building is listed, "it is proposed to bring the shop fronts forward and mirror the glass arches of the French Halles giving retailers much more visibility and increased floor space. The Glass Canopy will further enhance the shop fronts, create curiosity and provide shelter for the public."
To ensure the Guernsey Market Buildings offers a modern shopping experience to its centre users, the leaseholder wants to add a "cultural and social experience at the centre of the towns retail offering" which it said "is key to ensuring Market Place continues to be the heart of town and evolves with the changing needs of the islands population and visitors." If planning permission is granted this will mean four cast iron benches are built, each with six retracting seats for use by the public. Each bench will contain free charging points and access will be available to complimentary WIFI. A catering facility offering drinks and snacks is also proposed nearby, within the Inner Street.
The plans have been submitted to the States of Guernsey's Planning and Development Authority for consideration and comments can be submitted.
Further details can also be found on the Guernsey Market Buildings website here or the States website here.
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