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Plans for the redevelopment of part of La Vallette have been revealed with proposals for enhanced changing rooms, a new kiosk, performance areas and better access points among the ideas.
The designs have been drawn up by Vive La Vallette - a group chosen by the States as part of its seafront enhancement plan - to regenerate the area around the Victorian-era Bathing Pools.
The group, involves several Islanders who are well-known locally for their community work including Dave Warr, former Vice-Chairman of the Guernsey Community Foundation, former Guernsey football manager Steve Sharman, and David De La Mare of DLM Architects.
DLM Architects has drawn up the plans for the proposals which were revealed to the public at a meeting, which was live streamed on the internet last night.
Pictured: Vive La Vallette members Dave De La Mare, Dave Warr, Helen Bonner-Morgan, Steve Sharman and Andy Hall.
The Vive La Vallette plans have been put together over the past eight months, after the States asked for ideas from the public to regenerate some under utilised areas in St Peter Port.
Vive La Vallette was chosen as the preferred tender for any work in the area around the Bathing Pools, and the group has come up with plans for Phase One so far, which are focused on the existing kiosk and changing room facilities around the Ladies Pool.
The initial plans focus on making the whole area more accessible, for wheelchair users and push chairs as well as other people with reduced mobility.
The 'mound' around the Ladies Pool could be utilised as a performance area or for briefings before water sports.
And with the Island Games less than two years away that is a priority with Vive La Vallette wanting the area to be used for the international competition happening in Guernsey.
Pictured: Vive La Vallette has released its initial plans for the area, which include the above focal points.
Since being chosen as the preferred tender, the Vive La Vallette team have spoken to stakeholders and have assessed the area so they can fully understand the site.
Their plans have been put together taking into account things like: the overall size, the ground conditions, the change in levels, the condition, construction and services to the existing building, the surrounding vegetation, the key views, the solar orientation and where takes the brunt of the weather.
"We've established what facilities are currently accommodated, those that aren't accessible, what needs improvement and what is missing," Dave De La Mare told the audience last night.
"These are all the pieces of a puzzle that have built our brief, the framework for us to deliver a solution that best serves our community."
Above: You can watch back the live presentation on the plans for La Vallette via Facebook.
The aspects of the proposed regeneration which focus on the kiosk and changing room could see a more flexible area with changing spaces that can be used by schools, the general public, boys and girls, 'home' and 'away' teams and even wet and dry spaces.
The kiosk area could be enhanced with a sheltered area for customers to sit outside with a terrace area that could be used for performances or public briefings.
A ramp would be added for better accessibility while maintaining access for service vehicles.
The idea is that the kiosk itself would be a welcoming environment to all: "those in swim suits, work suits or walkers boots, it is inclusive in both form and function."
Pictured: What the kiosk could look like in the future.
The plans for La Vallette will go on public display somewhere central so people can see them and have their say before any further decisions are made. A planning application will need to be submitted and the final decision for any changes to the area will then lie with the Development and Planning Authority.
That all takes time but the Vive La Vallette team are eager to get started next year, with a view to having Phase One completed ahead of the 2021 Island Games which are due to be held in Guernsey in July that year.
Pictured: Models of the proposed redevelopment will go on public display in the near future.
For more details on the proposed changes to La Vallette head to the Vive La Vallette Facebook HERE.
Pictured top and above: All images provided by Dave De La Mare of DLM Architects.
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