Following the first of atwo-stage tender process, Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) has appointedGroupe Legendreas the preferred contractor to take forward the design stage of the CI Tyres development site.
The construction firmis looking to partner with local contractor, Breton,to finalise the detailed design of the homes and progress the project to stage two.
Last month, GHA received planning permission for the development of 60 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom homes, designed to address the island’s identified need for smaller, affordable housing options as set by the States Strategic Housing Indicator.
Lisa de Kooker, Chief Operating Officer at GHA, said: ‘We’re committed to delivering the CI Tyres siteto the highest standard to meet the needs of islanders and in a timely manner. Legendre impressed us with the depth of their experience and we’re pleased to be moving forward with them on this stage of the process.
‘This whole process is about working together upfrontto get the scheme’s design, costs and logistics pinned down before awarding the construction contract – we benefit from the contractor’s skills and experience early on.’
GroupeLegendre was chosen due to many factors including their experience of schemes of a similar nature, competitiveness, management processes and quality.
Luc Richard, Director of Groupe Legendre’s Jersey office, said:‘We are delighted to collaborate with Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) on this scheme, our first on the island, following a competitive tender process.This appointment is a testament toourexpertise and proven track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable homes.
‘Acting as contractor, we are proud to play our role in delivering so many affordable homes for the benefit of the people in Guernsey.
‘The development aligns community impact with environmental considerations, and we look forward to seeing how it benefits the islanders.’
Enabling works for the site have already begun to keep the project moving.The final development proposal will be completed before the end of the year, followed by contract award, with a view to starting construction in early 2026.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The procurement route for the CI Tyres Yard site is a two-stage Design and Build tender process. This is a common tendering route, also known as a Pre Contract Service Agreement.
In the first stage, GHA askedtwo local contractors and two off-island contractorsto provide early cost estimates, timelines and information about their teams and past experience.
In the second stage, Groupe Legendre will help develop the design in more detail (up to RIBA Stage 3). Once that design is completed, Groupe Legendre will then collect open quotes from at least three subcontractors for each part of the work. Only then will GHA make a final decision on who will carry out the construction.
About Groupe Legendre and Legendre UK
A family-owned company founded in 1946 near Rennes, France, Groupe Legendre expanded into the UK market in 2015, with offices in London and Jersey. Building on its strong balance sheet, the company is now also active in Switzerland since 2022 and Portugal since 2019, with an office in Lisbon. Groupe Legendre’s annual turnover is €1 billion, and it currently employs 2,400 members of staff.