PC Channel Islands

Parking plans go ahead

Parking at St Saviours, Guernsey

A new car parking area at St Saviour’s Community Centre could soon become a reality after Lagan Construction Group donated everything that was needed to prepare the site.

The new centre at the former Mont Varouf School has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years with a new nursery moving in and rooms suitable for use by the whole community being completely refurbished. To cope with the increase in use, additional parking formed part of the plans.

“The St Saviour’s Community Centre is becoming an integral part of life for parishioners living in the western parishes but we still have so much to do,” said Phil Duquemin, managing director of St Saviour’s Community Centre LBG.

“The existing car park is usable but is quite small and won’t be enough when the centre is being fully used and so we wanted to create an additional area of parking on a derelict piece of land at the back of the site. Unfortunately the cost runs into the thousands and our focus has been on the internal parts of the building, to allow us to generate revenue for other works.”

But now Lagan Construction Group has come forward and provided everything that is needed to prepare the site for the top layer of tarmac to be laid. The main contractor for the airport project has donated 120 metres of road kerbs, drainage channels, 1,120 sq.m of geotextile membrane, a petrol interceptor and tonnes of hardcore.

“It might not be the most glamorous of gifts but we’re thrilled with it. Lagan’s generosity takes us another step closer to making the dream of a modern, vibrant community centre for St Saviour’s a reality.”

Steve Turner, senior contracts manager for Lagan, said the St Saviour’s Community Centre, was one of a number of projects that Lagan was supporting as it neared the end of its time in the island.

“Everyone involved in the project has been made to feel very welcome by the people of Guernsey and, as we do in whichever community we work in, we are identifying projects that we can support that leave a real legacy,” he said.

“The team behind St Saviour’s Community Centre gave themselves an enormous challenge to raise the funds they need but they impressed us with what they have achieved already and so it’s a pleasure for us to make a small contribution to that challenge.”

During its time in the island, Lagan has supported a number of different organisations and initiatives including the Rotary Club of Guernsey, Male Uprising Guernsey, has sponsored the anti-drink drive campaign and donated two mobile speed warning signs, which cost more than ÂŁ7,000.

Mr Duquemin said work to the car park had already started with J Marquis Plant Hire clearing the site at a greatly reduced rate but money is still needed to be raised to cover the cost of the tarmac.

“Fundraising is underway for that and we are also raising money to cover the cost of renovating the existing kitchen as we have discovered damp which has significantly increased the quote. As a contingency, we are going to create a temporary kitchen which will be invaluable and will open up the use of the building to more people, who in turn will help us generate revenue,” he said.

“We’re hoping that we can secure everything we need for the temporary kitchen without significant cost. People have already been so generous and it never ceases to amaze me how much people, and companies such as Lagan, are prepared to help.”

Anyone with second hand kitchen units or equipment can contact Phil Duquemin on 07781 165286. 

 

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