Guernsey’s Victor Hugo Centre given planning green light

Saturday, 22 August 2026 08:00

Plans for a new Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey have been approved.

The former States Office Building and information centre in St Peter Port will be transformed into a new cultural and educational venue celebrating Victor Hugo, a famous French author who lived in Guernsey for 15 years.

More than £5 million has already been donated or pledged by private individuals and charitable trusts.

The States has also agreed to provide £1 for every £2 raised, up to £2.5 million. This means more than £7.5 million has now been raised in total.

The approval from the Development and Planning Authority (DPA) means the project can now move forward.

DPA President Deputy Neil Inder says the centre will be beneficial to the island.

“After considering these proposals, we are really pleased to be able to give them the green light.

"This is a really exciting project for Guernsey, with lots of clever features, all sensitively and carefully managed to work for a Protected Building in a
Conservation Area in the heart of Town.

"I know that our conservation and planning teams worked very hard to ensure that the scheme was progressed quickly and this was greatly assisted by the careful design approach and helpful level of information provided by the applicant.

"The sooner this comes forward, the better.”

The Chair of the Victor Hugo Centre Guernsey LBG Mr Larry Malcic says he is delighted to have received planning permission.

"This is a very important milestone towards the realisation of the Victor Hugo Centre, moving the project closer to the educational, economic, cultural and tourism benefits that the Centre will provide.

"The Centre will help Guernsey capitalise on its unique location and heritage by highlighting connections to France and beyond.

"Thanks to the States of Guernsey and many generous islanders whose contributions recognise that the Victor Hugo Centre is a valuable investment in the island’s heritage and future."