Wednesday 02 October 2019
The Round Top Stores could soon provide space for sculptures from world renowned artists and host a new al fresco dining experience.
The Seafront Enhancement Area (SEA) Steering Group is pleased to announce that two parties have been identified as the joint preferred bidders for the site.
As part of its initial enhancements process, the SEA Steering Group asked for ideas from the public for how six sites along the St Peter Port seafront could be enhanced. This process resulted into over 350 ideas from the public, as well as 35 formal expressions of interest from parties willing to enhance the site.
Using the views of the public, the SEA Steering Group undertook a shortlisting process of the expressions of interest, which has resulted in two preferred bidders identified for the enhancement of the Round Top Stores site. The first of the enhancements will be led by Chris Humber together with Archer & Braun Architects who will be installing a plinth on the upper area of the stores, which will be used to display sculptures from world-renowned artists. At the same time, the lower area of the stores will see Mr & Mrs Blondin of ATAN with Turnstone Architecture, install a unique al fresco dining experience.
Deputy Charles Parkinson, a member of the Seafront Enhancement Area Steering Group said:
'The Steering Group were really impressed by both proposals, and believe that the proposals will offer something for both locals and tourists. These two proposals complement each other very well, and will enhance this prominent space in the St Peter Port harbour in line with the views of the public.'
Both parties will now be offered a period of exclusivity for their areas of the site, in order to further develop and confirm their proposals. As part of this exclusivity period, both parties will be in discussions with the States of Guernsey regarding the commercial terms.
Chris Humber said:
'Such a prominent site in the heart of the Harbour deserves a significant sculpture that will become synonymous with the spirit of Guernsey.'
Tan and Paul Blondin of ATAN added:
'Our proposal will be a fresh and new dining experience created from the land and sea of Guernsey, influenced by Asia.'
The announcement of preferred bidders for the Round Top Stores follows the announcement of Vive La Vallette as the preferred bidders for two initial enhancement sites at La Vallette. The Steering Group are expecting to make announcements on the remaining sites in the near future.
