Wednesday 07 September 2022
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, today announced that the States of Guernsey has agreed to hold discussions on the possible development of a Victor Hugo Centre in the former States Office Building (also known as the Guernsey Information Centre) on the North Esplanade.
The States of Guernsey will discuss how the project could be developed with the Victor Hugo Centre Working Group. If following those discussions, there is scope to take the project forward, it is expected that the Victor Hugo Centre Working Group will need to privately fundraise the development costs of the project.
The Victor Hugo Centre Working Group approached the States of Guernsey with initial proposals for a Victor Hugo Centre including:-
- A flexible exhibition, meeting and performance space that could be used to showcase local talent and for official functions;
- An Exhibition of Victor Hugo's work, life and interests and his artwork;
- An education/study space that could be used by schools for visits and for visiting students and visiting scholars.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said:
"While it's early days and I don't want to prejudge where the discussions will take us, this looks like an exciting opportunity with the potential to develop a new, high quality, tourist attraction that celebrates the life and works of Victor Hugo in the form of a Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey. The Former States Office building is an iconic one, in a central town location that would appeal to residents as well as visitors and will provide opportunities to attract more French and international visitors."
Mr Larry Malcic, Chair of the Victor Hugo Centre Group, said:
"Victor Hugo praised Guernsey as a rock of hospitality and freedom. We're excited to begin discussing with the States of Guernsey how a Victor Hugo Centre in a prominent building could help tell the story of his relationship with his Island home, celebrate his works and inspire future generations of islanders and visitors to advance their creative talents."
