Old tax offices offered to local start-ups

Monday 15 July 2019

The States have given Guernsey's old income tax offices a new lease of life, offering them as "affordable" office space for local start-ups.

Although the building's long-term future is yet to be confirmed, Property Services have carried out a "mini refurbishment" of the top two floors.

For the time being they are being let out in units starting from £3,500 per annum.

Individual offices are available for small teams, with a bigger space and office suites for larger businesses.

"I know it's only four walls, but for someone that's working in a coffee shop or on a laptop on a table somewhere, this is affordable for them to be able to go that next step," said Director of Rock Commercial Property Agents, Peter Van de Velde.

Rock is working with the States Property Services, managing and letting the space on its behalf.

Pictured: No. 2 Cornet Street.

"I approached the States and suggested it," Mr Van de Velde explained. "They had an empty building and I thought it would work really well. There's a demand for small offices and we can work together to fill it up and generate income for the States.

"Not everybody wants the smartest office in Town. Not everyone can afford it so this is perfect, for small businesses that would like to get started but perhaps haven't had this opportunity before."

So far, four of the offices have been filled with lots of room for more small businesses. The offices are available for viewings, which can be booked here.

"We have been very pleased with the initial uptake of space," said Mark Ogier from Property Services. "This is evidence of demand for this sort of all-inclusive lease arrangement. They avoid the complexity, time and cost of a more traditional lease, and offer a more flexible approach to office space. That aligns with more modern ways of working, and allows businesses to focus on their core activities rather than spending time on property issues."

Pictured: One of the largest offices available.

No. 2 Cornet Street was vacated at the end of 2017 along with Grange Road House as part of the States Property Rationalisation programme. Plans are still in place to eventually sell both buildings, which are no longer needed by the States.

"Under the Island Development Plan, the Grange Road House site is allocated for future residential development," added Mr Ogier. "A Draft Development Framework has therefore been drawn up, and that was published for consultation last month.

"Discussions are ongoing regarding the future of No. 2 Cornet Street."