Victor Hugo Centre given planning permission
- Development & Planning Authority approves plans for Victor Hugo Centre in former States Office Building
- Planning permission includes change of use, western extension, southern alterations and landscaping
- Project has raised over £5 million from private donors and charitable trusts
- States of Guernsey providing matched funding up to £2.5 million, bringing total to over £7.5 million
- Centre will serve as multi-purpose educational and cultural venue celebrating Victor Hugo's 15-year residence in Guernsey
Plans to create a Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey have been approved by the Development & Planning Authority.
The Centre will be housed in the former States Office Building and former information centre, serving as a multi-purpose educational and cultural venue celebrating the global literary icon who made Guernsey his home for 15 years.
Planning permission has been granted for a change of use of the building, alongside an extension to the west side, alterations to the south elevation and landscaping works.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said: "This is a really exciting project for Guernsey, with lots of clever features, all sensitively and carefully managed to work for a Protected Building in a Conservation Area in the heart of Town.
"I know that our conservation and planning teams worked very hard to ensure that the scheme was progressed quickly and this was greatly assisted by the careful design approach and helpful level of information provided by the applicant. The sooner this comes forward, the better."
Victor Hugo Centre Guernsey LBG has previously signed a letter of exclusivity with the States of Guernsey for use of the building, subject to successfully raising the necessary funds whilst details of a long-term lease are finalised.
In November 2024, the States of Deliberation agreed to support the proposed Centre through matched funding of £1 for every £2 raised, up to a maximum of £2.5 million.
The project has secured more than £5 million in donations and pledges from private individuals and charitable trusts. Combined with the States' contribution, the total raised now exceeds £7.5 million.
Mr Larry Malcic, Chair of Victor Hugo Centre Guernsey LBG, said: "The Victor Hugo Centre is delighted that planning approval has been granted for the Centre. This is a very important milestone towards the realisation of the Victor Hugo Centre, moving the project closer to the educational, economic, cultural and tourism benefits that the Centre will provide.
"The Centre will help Guernsey capitalise on its unique location and heritage by highlighting connections to France and beyond."
The project is expected to go out to tender early next year, with construction due to begin in late spring 2027.
"There is still work to do and more funding to raise for the long-term sustainability of the project, but this approval allows us to move confidently into the next stage."
Q&A
Q: Where will the Victor Hugo Centre be located?
A: The Centre will be housed in the former States Office Building and former information centre in the heart of Town.
Q: How much funding has been raised for the project?
A: Over £5 million has been given or pledged by private individuals and charitable trusts, and with the States' matched funding contribution, the total raised exceeds £7.5 million.
Q: What is the States of Guernsey's funding arrangement?
A: The States agreed in November 2024 to provide matched funding of £1 for every £2 raised, up to a maximum of £2.5 million.
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