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A much-loved 19th-century building on Jersey's high street has been transformed from a fabric store into what is hoped to become "creative hub" of town – selling art, stationery and furniture, while offering upcycling and art classes.
Now home to Collins, the former Hamons building is situated at 37-39 King Street and dates back to 1845, with the revamped premises preserving many original interior features.
Pictured: Hamons opened at 37-39 King Street in around 1845.
Collins closed its Halkett Place store earlier this month, and the team hope that the new King Street location will become "a creative hub" in the heart of St Helier.
"The new store will offer everything from our old shop and more," Business Development Manager Karen Cox said.
The Collins retail outlet is part of Sigma Group – an office supplies, digital services and business services provider.
Pictured: The historic Hamons store on King Street was in business for 176 years.
Traditional offerings like stationery, school supplies and festive gifts will be available at the store, which will also sell upcycling products, home and office furniture and desk organisation products. It also offers a range of art supplies, from professional artists to babies and children.
The Sigma-owned Caxtons printers are also on the first floor of the building, offering printing services.
The store plans to hold art, crafts and upcycling workshops in the new year on the upper floor, which has been transformed into a multi-use space. Future classes will be advertised on the company's social media and soon-to-launch website.
Much of the unit's historic interior has been preserved including the windows, doorway, tiles, countertop, office unit, and other minor details such as a wooden inkwell.
However, some alterations have been made to the 19th-century building, including a new staircase and passenger lift to allow access to the upper floor.
After 176 years in business, the Hamons premises were on the rental market for several years before Sigma bought the site and submitted a planning application in 2021.
Major Shareholder of Sigma Rodney Chanllinor said: "I am so excited about the changes."
He emphasised how the renovations have made use of disused space, which has created a spacious feel.
Antony Gibb, a historic building consultant who assessed the store in 2019, previously said the original 19th-century shopfront had been replaced in the 1960s but that the unit’s historic interior remained.
He said: "37-39 King Street are of interest as late Georgian buildings which contain the only example in Jersey of a Victorian galleried shop interior.”
The Hamon brothers visited the opening yesterday and approved of the renovations – as did many other islanders, who lauded the restoration of the store's historic features on social media.
One islander commented on Facebook: "Love the fact the old staircase is still intact. I can’t wait to visit!"
"Wishing you much success. Well deserved, as you've renovated and kept those beloved features," said another.
176-year-old high street stalwart 'under offer'
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