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High praise for Vive La Valette

High praise for Vive La Valette

Saturday 25 March 2023

High praise for Vive La Valette

Saturday 25 March 2023


An online hub for architects has used Guernsey's bathing pools regeneration project as an example of how the island could be an "exemplary eco-paradise".

The RIBA Journal offers weekly emailed editorials, a monthly magazine, a quarterly supplement and webinars and podcasts all aimed at people working within the creative construction industry.

It aims to feature "inspiring and award winning buildings and how they are put together", focusing on planning, regulations, sustainability and opportunities within the industry.

This week it has featured Guernsey's 'renewed lido' which it says "mixes Aussie cool with Scandinavian hygge".

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Pictured: The RIBA Journal article on Guernsey's bathing pools features alongside other reports on its home page.

The article author continues her theme, writing that La Valette "offers less in the way of soggy sandwiches and more of a slice of Aussie cool".

Isabelle Priest further continued, writing that the pools and the new cafe "provides an unexpected cosiness, more commonly found in Scandinavia, reminding me in particular of a sauna called Löyly on the seafront in Helsinki."

Ms Priest said that "the exciting" revival of the bathing pools through a public-private partnership shows that the island could offer even more in the way of forward-thinking through infrastructure, energy and industry which in turn would highlight Guernsey as an "exemplary eco-paradise". 

DLM Architects came in for particular praise for its work on the Vive La Valette project, with recognition of the limited opposition to the design plans when they were first revealed and the overwhelmingly positive support now the work has been completed.

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Pictured: The initial opposition to the project was soon met with positivity instead.

Dave de la Mare of DLM Architects said he was pleased to see his project featured in an industry publication.

"As a team we are very proud that the project is being recognised at this international level, and holding the top spot as the RIBA's most popular story. It is testament to the skills we have locally in the construction industry, and the ambition and generosity of the supporters. It demonstrates what can be achieved when public-private enterprise is used to realise an ambitious vision of our islands potential, and invest in projects that benefit the lives of our whole community and future generations.

"I particularly like the last paragraph, particularly given the timing and pending review of the island development plan. It highlights the first impressions of a visitor to the island and draws attention to the missed opportunity of our island as an exemplar of sustainable design."

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Pictured: The final paragraph from The RIBA Journal article which Dave de la Mare said "highlights the first impressions of a visitor to the island and draws attention to the missed opportunity of our island as an exemplar of sustainable design".

The bathing pools - built in the Victorian era - were part of a redevelopment project under the Vive La Valette banner after a public-private partnership was agreed.

The initial call for ideas to rejuvenate areas along Guernsey's east coast was met with the proposals launched by the Vive La Valette team which included repair work to the pools, work to improve accessibility and the redevelopment of the cafe area which is run as a non-profit community space.

Read more...

GALLERY: New Bathing Pools a “community asset”

Community help needed to 'secure the legacy' of the Bathing Pools

WATCH: Sea Donkey Challenge to raise funds for Bathing Pools

AFM donates time and materials to overhaul changing rooms

GALLERY: La Valette development on track for Easter opening

Valette could become new Town Hub

Volunteers clear up La Valette


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