WATCH: La Vallette re-development to start this month

Saturday 02 January 2021

The group behind the re-development of La Vallette has now raised £900,000 towards its £1.5m fundraising goal and building works are set to begin this month.

The latest updates in the high-profile re-development project were revealed after the Guernsey Community Foundation donated £25,000 to the cause yesterday.

Not-for-profit organisation Vive La Vallette formed in 2019 after emerging as the States of Guernsey's preferred bidder to modernise the area as part of the Seafront Enhancement Programme. The group plans to re-develop the La Vallette kiosk, amenities and the surrounding area - a vision that the Community Foundation has thrown its support behind.

"The team behind Vive La Vallette showed the Foundation how they intend for the new development to be an asset for the whole community to enjoy, with the new-look building providing accessible space, shelter and facilities for young and old alike," said Chief Executive Jim Roberts. 

Pictured: New Year's Day swimmers outside the old changing rooms. 

"It's well-established that cold water swimming provides huge benefits to an individual's physical and mental wellbeing, and we're pleased to be able to support a project that puts health and happiness at its core."

Since then, the charity has completed its negotiations with the States, finalised architectural designs, obtained planning permission and launched its fundraising programme.

The charity needs to raise £1.5m to complete the project and has already secured nearly £900,000 of this sum from public and private donations. In September, it was revealed that the States of Guernsey had pledged £300,000 of public money to the project. 

Building work is set to commence this month. It is anticipated that the first stage of the project - the new café, community function space and changing rooms - will be completed by spring 2022. 

Pictured: An artistic impression of the new facilities at La Vallette.  

"We would like to thank the Foundation for its generous donation," said Vive La Vallette Community Lead Helen Bonner-Morgan.

"Although our fundraising is ongoing, because we have now secured well over half the required amount needed for this project, we are now able to begin the work, which is a fantastic step forwards."

A temporary changing facility for swimmers has been set up and will open on Monday. 

"The pools are a much-loved part of the island's community, with swimmers of all ages getting pleasure from the water throughout the year," said Mrs Bonner-Morgan.

Pictured: David Warr, Helen Bonner-Morgan and Steve Sharman, who are all part of the 'Vive La Vallette' group overseeing the project.

"In just over a year's time, islanders and visitors will be able to enjoy a brand-new all-access facility 365-days-a-year. We hope that the facilities will become a valuable asset for Guernsey's social and business community, with other charities, clubs, associations, corporates and special interest groups using the space." 

The Community Foundation's Grants Panel considers multiple applications all year round. Applications should be for a minimum of £5,000 and can be accepted at any time during the year.  

Pictured top: An artistic impression of the new facilities at La Vallette by DLM Architects.