Butterfield bank and trust company has pledged its support alongside the John Ramplin Charity Trust, Resolution IT and The Constables of Castel, to restore the Japanese Pavilion at Saumarez Park as part of the Rotary Club’s centenary celebration plans.
The Japanese Pavilion at Saumarez Park, known to many as the ‘Duck House’, is a well-known and loved Guernsey landmark. The building was closed to the public and has stood derelict since 2019 when it was marked as unsafe for public use. This summer, the Rotary Club of Guernsey is leading a restoration project ahead of its centenary celebrations which start in 2022 to provide a lasting and sustainable legacy for the pavilion.
President Nominee of The Rotary Club of Guernsey Brian Acton said: “Since announcing the project we’ve received many supportive comments from members of the community who have fond memories of the pavilion and are keen to see the structure restored to its former glory. A project of this significance however comes at a considerable cost and would not be possible without the support of our sponsors.
“Our sincerest thanks go out to our main financial sponsors – Butterfield and the John Ramplin Charity Trust, as well to Resolution IT Limited and The Constables of Castel. These organisations are just as keen as we are to ensure that the pavilion remains an important part of our community and a place to be enjoyed by all for many years to come.”
Richard Saunders, Managing Director of Butterfield, said: “Many islanders hold the Pavilion in a special place in their heart, full of fond memories and good times. Seeing the building restored to its former glory will mean so much to the community and we are proud to play our part in making this project a reality.”
The work is being undertaken with the generous support of local contractor Pauls Joinery, and with the additional assistance of Sarnian Roofing, Bob Froome & Son, Norman Piette, PF+A Architects, Fusion Engineering, Scaffolding Services and Petersfield Plant Centre.
With planning permission now granted, work is set to commence soon, starting with the dismantling of the old structure.
Nigel Dorey from The Rotary Club of Guernsey, who is the site manager and will be overseeing the project, said: “We’re very excited that work can now commence. The new framework is making good progress being built at Pauls Joinery’s workshop which means that we should avoid any weather-related delays.
“With the valued support of Petersfield Plant Centre, we’ll also adjust the surrounding ground levels at the Pavilion’s entrance to provide step-free access so that, for the first time ever, it can be accessed and enjoyed by all members of our community.”
Olly Duquemin, CEO of Resolution IT added: “We’re very proud to be involved in such a fantastic community project and to support the Rotary Club in celebrating its centenary. We look forward to watching how the build progresses over summer and seeing the legacy of the Pavilion live on.”
