Rok Limited wants to work with as many local subcontractors as it can, as it aims to ‘create a legacy’ with the new post-16 campus being built at Les Ozouets.
It was confirmed on Friday that the Jersey-based firm has been given the contract to build the new facility in a multi-million pound deal funded by the States.
The new campus will bring together all of the components of The Guernsey Institute on one site, with the new buildings connected to the existing Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.
Phase One of the project has been funded by the States, while Phase Two will need States backing at a later date before it can go ahead. That phase will include the creation of a new Sixth Form Centre and sports facilities.
In total the project is budgeted at £88million. That doesn’t include the additional £5m that could be spent by the States on creating a temporary workers village at Les Ozouets if those plans go ahead.
Rok Ltd had already won the contract to demolish the former St Peter Port Secondary School, which took place last year.
It had also previously entered into a pre-construction services agreement to begin planning work for the new facilities at Les Ozouets.
That had included holding a ‘meet the supplier’ event in Guernsey last year where the firm had hoped to link up with locally based sub-contractors.
Rok has reiterated that commitment to working with local firms in its plans for the site.
“We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this project and excited to use our expertise in delivering such a key part of the island’s commitment to education,” said Kevan Nelson, Director at Rok Limited.
“We intend to work with the local supply chain and involve the community, to ensure that as many people as possible can be part of creating this legacy,” he added.
Founded in 2007, ESC described Rok as “an established Channel Island construction company that has delivered high-quality projects across a variety of sectors, including education, in both Guernsey and Jersey”.
ESC said that Rok’s submitted proposal for the full project was reviewed by a panel comprising of States of Guernsey officers and supported by specialist advisers, before being accepted as within budget, while also meeting the scope and high quality of the anticipated new education facilities.
A key consideration for the new buildings is “their sustainability, with the design incorporating strategies to minimise environmental impact”, said ESC.
“This includes high level insulation, efficient window glazing, low energy heating and ventilation systems. Outside spaces will also encourage biodiversity and ecology as well as promoting student and staff wellbeing.”
The main works that Rok Limited are now contracted to deliver will begin imminently, with the construction of the main building, and construction and engineering building, both of which will be linked to the existing Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.
This part of the total work planned, known as Phase One, will cost £61.6m.
Phase One is expected to be complete by Spring 2027, with building works for the Sixth Form Centre and sports facilities now allocated to Phase Two of the programme to follow at a later date.
