Thai al fresco dining and a statue iconic to Guernsey - these are the two ideas that will soon occupy the Round Top Stores on the end of the Crown Pier's arm.
The Seafront Enhancement Area Steering Group has announced it has chosen two bidders as the joint preference for the site.
The public consultation looking to throw up ideas for the site generated more than 350 ideas, as well as 35 formal expressions of interest from parties willing to enhance the site.
Using that process, the SEA Steering Group short listed the ideas and then found two preferred bidders. The first of the enhancements will be led by Chris Humber together with Archer & Braun Architects who will be installing a plinth on the upper area of the stores, which will be used to display sculpture from world-renowned artists or a specific sculpture which he hopes will be iconic to Guernsey. At the same time, the lower area of the stores will see Mr & Mrs Blondin of ATAN install a new al fresco dining experience.
Deputy Charles Parkinson, a member of the Seafront Enhancement Area Steering Group said: "The Steering Group were really impressed by both proposals, and believe that the proposals will offer something for both locals and tourists. These two proposals complement each other very well, and will enhance this prominent space in the St Peter Port harbour in line with the views of the public."
Pictured: The Round Top Store is on the Northern-most arm of the Crown Pier.
Both parties will now be offered a period of exclusivity for their areas of the site, in order to further develop and confirm their proposals. As part of this exclusivity period, both parties will be in discussions with the States of Guernsey regarding the commercial terms.
Mr Humber said: "Such a prominent site in the heart of the Harbour deserves a significant sculpture that will become synonymous with the spirit of Guernsey."
He said he wanted to take the opportunity to give the island something like the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, or the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
"I really want it to end up being an iconic piece that people can come and visit and remember. Every city and Town that people think about has something along those lines."
More information about Mr Humber's sculpture plans is yet to come.
Tan and Paul Blondin of ATAN added: "Our proposal will be a fresh and new dining experience created from the land and sea of Guernsey, influenced by Asia."
The announcement of preferred bidders for the Round Top Stores follows the announcement of Vive La Vallette as the preferred bidders for two initial enhancement sites at La Vallette. The Steering Group are expecting to make announcements on the remaining sites in the near future.
Pictured top: Deputy Charles Parkinson and Chris Humber at the Round Top Stores.
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