On Air Now James Bentley 6:00am - 10:00am
Now Playing Tom Jones / The Cardigans Burning Down The House

GROW's £3M Redevelopment Is On-Track

GROW's disability hub is on-target to be completed next Spring.

Work on developing the charity's Coutanchez base is progressing, with new structures in place and work starting on fitting them out.

Guernsey’s Rural Occupational Workshop (GROW) relocated last October to Avondale Vinery in St Sampsons to allow for a complete redevelopment its Les Petits Quartiers site, where it has been based for almost 40 years.

A £3 million target was set to overhaul the facility, which provides training in horticulture for people with learning and other disabilities.

Old greenhouses have been demolished and are being replaced with new ones, as well as a health and wellbeing centre with gym equipment and a cafe and canteen.

GROW has been showing off the current status of the project.

Wiring and services have been put in and a disability-access lift is being installed.

By the beginning of this summer, £2.5m had been raised, and patrons Julia and Guy hands pledged £125,000 if the charity could raise £375,000 by the end of August.

The couple recently visited the site to see the progress for themselves:

"To see the progress at the site of the new GROW development was an extraordinary experience. The sheer size of the project and the enormous potential it holds for the future was evident.

This new facility will enable not just GROW but other organisations to better deliver the services they provide to the community in Guernsey. It was so incredibly exciting to catch a glimpse of what is to come."

With just two weeks to go until the fundraising deadline, islanders are being urged to help with the final push to the finish line.

"We would urge anyone who feels that can help us get over the line to please make a donation and Help us to Grow." - Marguerite Talmage Fundraising Director.

As well as producing plants and vegetables for sale, GROW's workers - called Crew - will learn carpentry, metal and paintwork skills, make bug and bird boxes to sell and learn retail  and hospitality skills.

GROW wants the redeveloped base to become a disability hub - a one-stop-shop for people seeking support and advice.

The project is due to be completed in the spring of 2023.

More from Guernsey News

Island FM VIP

Get more with the Island FM VIP!

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Island FM

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Just ask Amazon Alexa