Guernsey government buys church for school extension

Guernsey's government has bought a church as part of its plans for a two-school model on the island.

Les Beaucamps High School will be extended into the land around Delisles Methodist Church to form part of the new Saumarez College and Lisia School.

The £1 million spent on the land was included in the £69 million approved by the States in September when the two-school model was given the green light.

Deputy Matt Fallaize says this is an important milestone for the policy.

School leaders and the government's Committee for Education, Sport and Culture will discuss potential uses for the church and the church hall. These may include:

• 'Co-located education', integrating health and care services into the school site. This would include clinical rooms for school nurses, mental health support staff, social workers and other health professionals.

• A new arts venue, to host exhibitions and working spaces for local artists and students studying art.

• A new fitness suite to improve sport and physical activity spaces on-site for students, particularly those studying PE.

The Committee fully expects to find a use for the space, but has not ruled out selling the land to help offset the costs of building on the site.