The iconic Cobo Bay Hotel is undergoing “substantial changes”.
Over the next three winters the west coast hotel will close so the work started this winter can continue.
Having been shut since October, work has already started to build a new 12-bedroom staff block behind the hotel.
Two fully accessible bedrooms are being created within the hotel and the sea front terrace dining area is also having a “partial revamp”.
The second phase of work will start next winter subject to further planning permissions being granted, said Jamie Nussbaumer whose family has owned the hotel for generations.
“As the third generation involved in the family business, I am delighted to contribute to what has been a long love affair with this building ever since my grandparents purchased what was then just a pair of semi-detached houses back in the early 1960’s,” said Mr Nussbaumer, who is a Director of Nuttree Ltd which owns the hotel.
He said he is “delighted” with how the redevelopment plans are progressing and that he has enjoyed working alongside architects PF+A and engineers T&G on this project so far.
“Mum and dad built on my grandparent’s legacy, completing the most recent major refurbishment of the hotel in the late 1980’s,” he explained. “We are acutely aware that the hotel is beginning to look tired and it is now my job to bring the hotel up to date, so that we can continue to offer a top-level product and service.
“Our first focus is on upgrading our staff accommodation as without the great team that we currently have, we are nothing. We want to offer them high quality, modern accommodation so that they can enjoy a home away from home.”
After delivering on that promise to provide high quality accommodation for his staff, the next phase of work is on course to start later this year, said Mr Nussbaumer.
Phase 2 of the work has been planned to include the full restoration of the hotel’s kitchen with the creation of a new toilet block, and a brand new 50 cover restaurant at the southern end of the property.
Nuttree Ltd also want to build a new Sunset Bar and balcony upstairs to make the most of the iconic view on the hotel’s doorstep.
The third phase of the work is due to take place over winter 2027/28 and Mr Nussbaumer said this is “the most daring aspect of the project”.
Subject to planning permission being given this work will include a third-floor extension being built in the current roof space, to accommodate six ‘high quality bedrooms’ with views over Cobo Bay.
This new look will be repeated at each level at the front of the building while the west facing bedrooms will be extended with new balcony access doors and railings.
“The extension into the roof space was considered to be ‘a no brainer’, albeit a substantial investment,” said Mr Nussbaumer.
“In the near future, the roof was going to need to be replaced through general wear and tear, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to make the most out of that space.”
The final piece of work, planned for winter four – spanning 2028/29 – will include work to revamp and extend the staff accommodation block that sits on the border between the Cobo Bay Hotel and The Rockmount Car Park.
While the hotel will be closed throughout the four winters while the planned work takes place, it will reopen each spring and stay open throughout the busy summer months.
Mr Nussbaumer said the work will enable the Cobo Bay Hotel to minimise future closures while offering more to its customers while it is open.
“The new restaurant will allow us to focus on a more year-round food offering, minimising our regular winter closure,” he explained.
“The Sunset Bar will be an exciting addition, allowing guests and non-residents to enjoy a cool refreshment, overlooking some of the best views the island has to offer. And the Balcony Gigs will have a new venue only a few yards from where they currently entertain thousands of people each summer.”
Balcony Gigs
The Cobo Bay Hotel has already committed to continuing its hugely popular Balcony Gigs while investing in the redevelopment of the hotel itself.
This summer’s gigs have already been announced – with live performances from the Cobo Bay balcony on 3 May, 24 May, 28 June, 12 July, 2 August, and 30 August.
As usual the line up features a mix of local artists and bands and visiting tribute acts to some of the biggest names in music.
“It gives us great pleasure to announce a stellar line up of local and UK acts,” said Mr Nussbaumer. “With the miserable winter of weather we have been experiencing, this news will hopefully come as a glimmer of hope that summer is just around the corner.
“The Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs have been the highlight of the summer for many years, and this year will be no different,” he explained.
“As previous sponsors, Ravenscroft Capital, Randalls and Pula know how popular the events are and are delighted to be supporting again in 2026 and to be joined by Rihoy & Son.
“The Balcony Gigs are community events in the truest sense of the word with people dining on the Cobo Bay terrace, enjoying a few drinks in the road or families listening to the music from the beach. We look forward to joining them all for what we hope will be another great summer,’ said a spokesman on behalf of the sponsors.”
Mr Nussbaumer was keen to emphasise the added benefit of utilising the events to raise much needed funds for some great local causes.
To that effect, this year, there will be a charity paired with each gig. The beneficiaries will be Safer, Guernsey Cheshire Homes, The Guernsey Sports Commission, Guernsey Mind, Bright Beginnings and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.
Head of Fundraising for the PPBF, Sara Edmonds, said they are “thrilled to be included”.
“The generosity shown by the community helps us continue supporting local families with premature babies and critically ill children when they need it most,” she said. “Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the kindness and support that exists across our island.”
Despite the closure of the Dog House – also owned by Nuttree Ltd – the Cobo Bay Hotel has arranged for the visiting acts to continue performing twice while they’re in the island to enable as many people as possible to see them.
“The great news is that four of the acts – Queen, Oasis, Take That and Abba – would also be appearing at Beau Sejour whilst they are on the island,” he said.