This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mollet

GUERNSEY Post’s move from Smith Street to the former States office at North Esplanade appears to be under threat. It was announced in the summer that the utility’s relocation was expected to be completed by October.

Any delay means additional cost and Guernsey Post last week announced a restructuring programme to save money as it comes to terms with the regulator’s tariff capping and concerns about the future of the bulk mailing business.

‘It’s taking a long time,’ said Guernsey Post’s chief executive Gordon Steele.

‘Our concern about Smith Street is it’s an expensive property and not fit for purpose. We are determined to move into the new property and continue to work with Treasury and Resources.

‘I was talking to the States property department last week and they are talking to heritage and planning because it’s a listed building.’

The company had hoped to share the ground floor at North Plantation with the Guernsey Information Centre.

‘The Treasury and Resources Department has been working hard for some time now on plans for accommodating Guernsey Post in the building.

Consultations are continuing with all the interested parties including, of course, the current occupants which include the Culture and Leisure and Commerce and Employment departments (information centre) and GuernseyFinance,’ said a T&R spokesman.

‘Whether or not Guernsey Post can be accommodated in the building will ultimately depend on the extent of the services they intend to provide from there which in turn will dictate the amount of floor space they require. It is anticipated that a final decision will be made within the next few weeks,’ they said.

If the proposed move cannot go ahead, T&R will seek alternative tenants and work with Guernsey Post to find somewhere else to enable it to move out of Nelson Place, which the States intends to sell, the spokesman added.