Construction work to begin on Les Ozouets Campus

Rok Limited has been appointed to lead the construction of the new campus, which will become the home of post-16 education on the island, including The Guernsey Institute and the Sixth Form Centre.

Today the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture has announced that Rok Limited has been awarded the construction contract for the build of Les Ozouets Campus, following a competitive RIBA tender process.

Rok Limited, who were appointed as the Preferred Bidder following the initial tender process in Summer 2024, has now submitted a proposal for the full project which has been reviewed by a panel comprising of States of Guernsey officers and supported by specialist advisers. It has been accepted as within budget, while also meeting the scope and high quality of the anticipated new education facilities.

Once developed, Les Ozouets Campus will be a centre of excellence for post-16 academic, technical, vocational and professional learning. The campus will become the home of The Guernsey Institute and the Sixth Form Centre, serving more than 5,000 learners each year. This will include a range of modern specialist facilities designed to deliver teaching and learning across the varied post-16 curriculum, including workshops, labs, specialist studios and resources which will equip learners for the skills they need in 21st century employment. Founded in 2007, Rok is an established Channel Island construction company that has delivered high-quality projects across a variety of sectors, including education, in both Guernsey and Jersey. As part of a two-stage tender process, Rok Limited has already delivered the preparatory elements of the programme with demolition of the former St Peter Port School building and some initial enabling works.

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 vital £61.6 million investment in post-16 education and training on the island is set to see Phase

One of the project complete by Spring 2027, with building works for the Sixth Form Centre and sports facilities now allocated to Phase Two of the programme.

The tender for local market subcontractors required for the build has included open calls, roadshows and ‘meet the supplier’ events. This means that Rok will be engaging subcontractors from the local supply chain, benefiting a range of local trades.

A key consideration for the new buildings is their sustainability, with the design incorporating strategies to minimise environmental impact. 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 Les Ozouets Campus development is part of the Transforming Education Programme, which is working to deliver a new model of secondary and post-16 education on the island. Alongside the creation of this new post-16 Les Ozouets Campus, the Programme includes a range of projects such as the creation of three 11-16 schools and much-needed new digital infrastructure and provision across all schools and The Guernsey Institute.

The Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts will remain open throughout construction. Visitors, students and staff are advised that the car park will remain available, although they should arrive early where possible, and take extra care due to increased activity at the site.

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:

“Finally, we're getting underway with delivering fit-for-purpose, modern facilities. For too long some of our young students, particularly those in vocational and technical education, have been taught in facilities that are well past their best. It has been 30 years since the need for a modern, new further education campus was identified to provide an adult learning environment where our teachers and students can excel in every aspect of their work.

“The States’ investment in Les Ozouets has been underpinned by a rigorous approach to ensure value for money and will return a dividend by maximising opportunities for post-16 education locally with an uplift in our skilled workforce. Our young people are the workers of tomorrow and we need to ensure they develop the best level of knowledge, skills and characteristics which not only make them valuable contributors to the community, but also the economy."

Nick Hynes, Director of Education and Senior Responsible Officer for the Transforming Education Programme, said:

“We are incredibly pleased to have received funding for the Les Ozouets Campus build, which is a pivotal next step towards properly equipping our young people with the high-quality learning environment that they deserve. The new development will help to realise learners' potential and have a positive impact on their outcomes and the community as a whole. As the building programme progresses, we will be
sharing regular updates with the community so that they can share our exciting journey prior to it opening in 2027.”

Kevan Nelson, Director at Rok Limited, said:

“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. 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.”

Jacki Hughes, Executive Principal for The Guernsey Institute, said:

“I am so pleased that construction work is beginning at Les Ozouets Campus. The space and facilities being built will ensure learners and staff at The Guernsey Institute can do their best possible work, in an environment that reflects the workplaces of the future and further develops our high standards of education and training. This investment in our sector of education is significant as it represents the value TGI’s staff and lecturers add to our community as a whole by teaching Guernsey’s young people essential skills for the future.”