St Georges’ Esplanade

Special Projects – St Georges’ Esplanade, Guernsey

From time to time we encounter an unusual situation. Those may arise in places such as Scotland or the Channel Islands. Both areas have differing Legal Frameworks from each other and from England, that mean specialist skills are required. We are experienced in those nations over the past fifteen years.  

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Guernsey to advise a client on their need to move to larger premises.  They held a lease on Retail and warehouse premises on Bulwer Avenue, St Sampson that was being outgrown. 

Our appointment initially involved a search for larger premises, a cooperative effort with the client that resulted in new, larger premises being identified on St Georges Esplanade in St Peter Port. However, the new warehouse was occupied and the sitting tenant had not found anywhere to downsize to. 

It also transpired the site could be for sale. Whilst the new warehouse was ideal, two small office buildings at the front of the site compromised parking and circulation for the warehouse.

The solution was found by brokering a purchase of the entire site (including two ancillary office buildings) and then, once control of the site had been secured, agreeing terms for a ‘swap’ of premises. Our client upsizes and the sitting tenant downsizes to everyone’s benefit.

An added complication, is the swap has to occur while both businesses continue to trade from those buildings. One business shrinks down in to part of the larger warehouse, allowing the other party to move in to the remainder, allowing the vacated building to be newly fitted out in turn. Easy to describe, hard to achieve. Communication and knowledge of procedure are key throughout.

Why not tell us about your special project?