POLL: Should 'protected' buildings be used as nightclubs?

Friday 15 February 2019

Most of Town's buildings have a protected status including one which until recently was the site of a much loved live music venue.

The Townhouse which closed last week indeterminately for repair work has in the past housed several nightspots and hotels.

For around a decade now the venue at 38 High Street has played host to artists, musicians, dancers and drinkers and became a mainstay of the local cultural scene in the process. The extent of repairs needed to the 18th century building is unknown but it was confirmed last week the building will remain closed for the time being. 

There is a process involved in lodging a planning application for a protected building under guidance policy five in the Island Development Plan. Protected status does not necessarily prevent the alteration and even demolishment of certain buildings where justified.

Upon the news of its closure hundreds shared their memories on social media including local DJ Andre De Carteret, who plays regularly around the UK funk and soul scene. He said "Guernsey never had it so good": 

Few buildings on the island appear to have been as loved and lived in as 38 High Street. Those in their 20's up to their 40's may remember prior to The Townhouse the building housing Cuba, Buddha Bar and Sinatras. Generations previously will remember The Godiva and The Grove hotel and restaurant. 

The building is listed as a protected building on the States of Guernsey website, but so are most of the buildings in Town including all of the buildings in the High Street. Folies D'amour night club is housed in a protected building on the North Plantation and while the Thomas De La Rue pub itself is not listed as protected, the brass bust on its exterior is. 

As an example, The Townhouse as a whole rather than merely its exterior was listed as protected in 1973 shortly after the Ancient Monuments and Protected Buildings law was passed in 1967. The process began in the north of the island in 1968 and then focussed on the Town centre buildings as areas of cultural and historical significance. 

There are notes in the Priaulx archive which suggest The Townhouse building was the Governor's residence in the 18th century and hosted a royal visit during that time. From the 20th century 38 High Street was the location for Mr and Mrs Cohu's "upmarket hat and dress shop" - the couple were resident there from 1904 onwards.

Pictured: The Townhouse in its modern heyday. Picture by Lucy Dennis. 

"For it must be known that the room, with practically no alteration, is the same as it was 125 years ago. The ceiling is a work of art. As for the fireplace, with its white and coloured marble, and carvings in wood, it is undoubtedly one of the finest extant in the British dominions," reads a newspaper story on the shop from the time. 

As the century progressed and eating out became more a more common past-time 38 High Street became The Grove Restaurant which had a slightly more subdued atmosphere according to a Guernsey ex-pat who remembers eating there in the 1960's.

"I remember eating at The Grove with my parents, it was quite a 'posh' place, with potted palms and green walls and a somewhat hushed atmosphere. I think it probably had starched table linen and silver cutlery and someone playing the piano discreetly in the background. Not at all sure but it was that type of place. Very boring for the child and teenager that I was, I don't remember anything about the food," said Wendy Guilbert. 

Pictured: All the buildings outlined in red are protected source here.

Having functioned as a millinery and several hotels in its time, you could say that the 21st century version of The Townhouse brought number 38 full circle.

In June 1786 the building was notable in the local press for hosting royalty there. Prince William Henry (later King William IV) "conferring the honour upon several young Guernsey ladies by dancing with them" when it was allegedly the residency of the Governor.  

Pictured: King William IV who danced at The Townhouse albeit in the 1700's. 

A change of use application for a protected building to become used for hospitality purposes would not be rejected by default because it is more 'lived in' than a retail space for example. In fact the Island Development Plan calls for more residential spaces above protected buildings so as to increase the Town centre population and vibrancy. 

As it stands it's unclear whether or not The Townhouse as we know it will be able to reopen at 38 High Street but for now it signalled the "end of an era".  

"A big hats off to all of our bar staff and door staff over the years, with a particular nod to manager Daniel D McAvoy who held the fort for the past three years and continuously gave it his all. And finally to all of you dancers and drinkers, who kept on coming rain or shine and supporting the venue and events, without you all, the music scene would be gone. 

"We might return, who knows, who knows, who knows? 

"But in the meantime, we’re signing off. Please keep supporting the events that we are so lucky to have on our small island. Make the effort to get in early and buy a few drinks, because to throw these events isn’t cheap and the venues and promoters risk a lot to keep the scene alive," the owner posted on Facebook.

Pictured top: The Townhouse in its modern heyday. Picture by Lucy Dennis.