If those with any interest in Guernsey commercial property were
to look back over their shoulder to 2018 and the start of 2019 they
might feel that the view forward has to be better.
During 2018 and early 2019 we have seen estate agents (Sarnia
Estates) and retailers (HMV) entering into administration, banks
closing their High Street branches to consolidate their premises
(HSBC), shops ceasing to trade (Miss Selfridge) or preparing to
close down (Edinburgh Woollen Mill - "subject to landlord
negotiations" so say the signs in one store's window),
restaurants shutting down (Red Onion) and even cocktail bar owners
(Laska) handing back the keys to their brewery owners.
It also hasn't been an easy ride for developers who are
still unsure about breaking ground just yet. There are also
thousands of square feet of office space available to rent.
