Bedell Cristin sponsors artwork installation at La Vallette Bathing Pools in collaboration with GCFE young designers

Artworks by Guernsey College of Further Education HND design students will be displayed at La Vallette Bathing Pools during its redevelopment thanks to support from Bedell Cristin.

Organised by Vive La Vallette, the talents of some of Guernsey’s young designers will be on show, with a display of their artwork around the building site where construction work continues on the redevelopment of new facilities at the Bathing Pools.

Vive La Vallette is the Guernsey charity that has pledged to redevelop La Vallette kiosk, amenities and the adjoining mound at St Peter Port's coastal bathing pools.

Vive La Vallette’s vision is that The Bathing Pools will become a vibrant destination where everyone can feel welcome and valued. It will be a place where people’s lives are improved and a venue that supports the physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing of our community and visitors to the island. There will be a focus on education, the history and heritage of the site, sustainability, the environment and social interaction.

Kate Ovenden, Managing Partner of Bedell Cristin, said that Bedell Cristin was keen to support this legacy development and Vive La Vallette’s aims. "La Vallette has held a special place in the hearts of islanders for generations. Bedell Cristin is delighted to support the charity in this exciting project to rejuvenate and enhance this iconic site and to provide modern facilities for the Guernsey community for many years to come."

Helen Bonner-Morgan, Vive La Vallette community lead said: "We are really grateful that Bedell Cristin wanted to support this link up with the design students at the College of Further Education. The project has given these young people problems to solve and live experiences, which are so vital for their confidence and their future careers. We asked the students to create eye-catching artworks in response to their visits and research surrounding La Vallette pools and are delighted to display the artworks around the perimeter of the building site until we unveil the new facilities in 2022."

Ryan Morley, GCFE Design HND course leader said: "The students have really embraced this project and collaborated with the charity and each other well. Working on a tangible, legacy project of this size is exciting for our students and we are very pleased to be involved and for the support from Bedell Cristin."

During 2020, the charity completed its negotiations with the States, finalised architectural designs, obtained planning permission, and successfully started its fundraising programme. As a part of the agreement to lease, The States of Guernsey has committed to the long-term maintenance of the historic Ladies' and Children's pools themselves.

Building work is progressing as planned and it is anticipated that the first stage of the £1.5m project, the new not-for-profit café, community function space and changing rooms, will be completed by spring 2022.

Two Portacabins have become temporary changing facilities for the continued use of the existing key holders (Friends of Vallette) to minimise any disruption to these regular swimmers and for the general public. Information about the students’ project and the redevelopment project as a whole is displayed on the cabins’ end panels.

Mrs Bonner-Morgan added: "The pools are a much-loved part of the island's community, with swimmers of all ages getting pleasure from the water throughout the year. In just over a year's time, islanders and visitors will be able to enjoy a brand-new all-access facility 365-days-a-year. We hope that the facilities will become a valuable asset for Guernsey's social and business community, with other schools, colleges, charities, clubs, associations, corporates and special interest groups using the space."

Vive La Vallette are fundraising and have an initiative running where individuals or groups can support the capital cost of the building by sponsoring a piece of the cladding engraved with their chosen wording and all will wrap around the front of the changing rooms. Details can be found on www.thebathingpools.com

For more information, email Helen Bonner-Morgan via contactus@vivelavallette.com or call on 07781 451 472.