Redevelopment of Grow is on target for April completion

Described by directors as a world away from where they once were, the main building now features cladding and windows. Wiring and the disability lift have been installed and the foundations and pathways for the large greenhouse have been laid.

‘We’ve made some changes along the way so every single door, pathway, entrance and exit is wide enough for wheelchair access and is inclusive of everyone,’ said project manager Gareth Billien.

‘Every day is a day in the classroom and things are developing all the time,’ he added.

Through various local organisations, Grow has calculated that the number of islanders with learning disabilities is increasing by 4% each year, which director Angus Bodman said means the redevelopment is becoming even more crucial.

‘We currently have 37 crew members and with the new facilities we will be able to more than double that number,’ he said.

The new facilities will include opportunities for improving domestic skills such as washing and ironing clothes, a carpentry workshop and a dedicated hospitality training building.

The charity’s board took a trip to Beresford Street Kitchen in Jersey, which is 98% run by individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and like Grow, takes on the ‘training not trading’ slogan.

‘Horticultural jobs are much less available than they used to be,’ said director Mike Tidd.

‘We know that our crew are capable of the job and so hopefully through our hospitality training unit we can provide them with skills of food handling and taking orders and payments, which will be vital for them moving forward.’

Negotiations have been conducted between the charity, St Sampson’s douzaine and Traffic & Highway Services to exchange a small portion of the site for a lay-by beside the road to ensure the safety of bus-using crew and visitors.

Six weeks ago, redevelopment campaign patrons Guy and Julia Hands set Grow a challenge where if the charity raised £375,000 by the end of this month, they will donate the final £125,000 to complete the cost of the £3m. project.

The couple visited the site recently to see how the redevelopment had progressed, which Mrs Hands described as an extraordinary experience.

‘This new facility will enable not just Grow but other organisations to better deliver the services they provide to the community in Guernsey,’ she said.

£260,000 has already been raised by the charity and the directors have no doubts that they will be able to raise the last £115,000 in the remaining last two weeks.

If everything stays on track there will be a gentle opening in April, so the crew can test everything and get comfortable, and the site will open to the public during the summer.

Support needed

. To help Grow reach its final goal please contact Marguerite Talmage on 07911 719081 or email [email protected].

. Donations can be made to Grow Redevelopment Campaign, sort code 60-09-20, account 45207755 or at www.giving.gg/donate/charity/37/Grow-Limited.