Students paint picture of La Vallette's vibrant future

Wednesday 25 August 2021

Artwork created by Guernsey’s design students will be displayed at the Bathing Pools during the redevelopment of its new facilities.

Local charity, Vive La Vallette, are transforming Guernsey’s Bathing Pools into a vibrant setting with a not-for-profit café, community function space and changing rooms which will be accessible all year round.

Helen Bonner-Morgan, Vive La Vallette Community Lead, said: "We asked the students to create eye-catching artworks in response to their visits and research surrounding La Vallette pools and are delighted to display the artworks around the perimeter of the building site until we unveil the new facilities in 2022."

The students involved are part of the higher education qualification in art and design. GCFE Design HND course leader, Ryan Morley, stated: "The students have really embraced this project and collaborated with the charity and each other well. Working on a tangible, legacy project of this size is exciting for our students."

Following negotiations in 2020, the States of Guernsey have committed to the long-term maintenance of the Ladies and Children’s pool, and combined with the new facilities, Mrs Bonner-Morgan hopes that the facilities will become "a valuable asset for Guernsey’s social and business community."

Helen Bonner-Morgan: "The project has given these young people problems to solve and live experiences, which are so vital for their confidence and their future careers."

The project is in collaboration with Bedell Cristin. The firm's Managing Partner, Kate Ovenden, said: "Bedell Cristin is delighted to support the charity of this exciting project to rejuvenate and enhance this iconic site and to provide modern facilities from the Guernsey community for many years to come."

Building work is progressing as planned, and two Portacabins have become temporary changing facilities to minimise any disruption to regular swimmers and the general public.

The artwork is to be displayed at La Vallette pools until the new facilities open in spring 2022. Information about the students’ project is located on the cabins’ end panels.