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As the only Aquarium in the Channel Islands has now closed down, seemingly for good, the States of Guernsey are looking for ideas of how the now disused area at La Vallette can be used.
'Expressions of interest' are being sought for the site, which is essentially a disused tunnel which was built during the German Occupation.
It is at the base of the cliff at La Vallette, beneath the cliff path which takes pedestrians up to the Clarence Battery and then around to Fermain Bay.
At the moment it looks like the States, which owns the site, hasn't got any ideas set in concrete, but it wants suggestions for ways it can be utilised that benefit the environment and economy.
Mark Ogier, Head of Estates Strategy for States Property Services said: "We’re looking for something that has long-term viability and that benefits the Island. We’re also considering a range of factors including the environmental, economic and employment impact of any ideas for how the site would be used. If there are ideas for how the site can continue to contribute to Guernsey’s tourism offering, that will also be taken into consideration."
Pictured: The proposed redevelopment of La Vallette as part of the Seafront Enhancement Programme does not include the aquarium site.
Although the aquarium site is based at La Vallette, it was not included in the plans for the proposed redevelopment of part of the bathing pools area under the States' Seafront Enhancement Plan. At the time those plans were first mooted, the Aquarium was still open, and the enhancement plan remit was limited to the area of La Vallette closed to the 'ladies' pool'.
More information on the tender and criteria is available by emailing property@gov.gg or by calling 717306.
Pictured: Marita Iverson, owner of the former Aquarium.
The Aquarium closed at the beginning of October last year, after dwindling visitor numbers made it untenable. The owner had invested in new exhibits but said she had a very difficult time after reopening the venue in 2017, before deciding to limit opening hours in 2018, which led to her deciding to close for good last year.
Marita Iverson sold as much of the equipment and stock as she could, before releasing the exhibits back into the wild.
Pictured top: The former Aquarium which is now closed.
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