Deputy hopes airport roof fix costs under £6m

Officials hope repairs to a storm-damaged airport roof will cost less than £6m, according to a senior deputy.

Deputy Mark Helyar, the States' Trading Supervisory Board president, said the original estimated cost of fixing Guernsey Airport's roof was about £20m but officials cut the intended spend "very significantly" by reducing the scope of works.

Scaffolding at the site was put up as a safety measure after the roof was damaged in high winds.

In a post on social media, Helyar said the States was unable to claim on insurance because the original company no longer existed and much of the damage was down to corrosion which was not covered.

The most recent damage happened in November 2023 when Storm Ciarán brought torrential rain and 70mph (112km/h) gusts to the island, dislodging several roof panels that fell on to the airside apron.

The States of Guernsey previously said the board asked the Policy and Resources Committee to agree to fund the project.

Helyar said the figure in the policy letter of more than £6m was a "high tide mark" and "not a price".

"We hope to spend less," he said.

"Without the work, the scaffolding would have to remain permanently because bits of the roof continue to dislodge in high winds and are dangerous to the public and the very expensive aircraft parked at the airport.

"Without it the airport would likely have to be closed."

Helyar said the board was seeking approval to carry out "extensive structural repairs", which could take up to 18 months to complete.

He said the original contractor went into insolvent liquidation "many years ago", adding it could not be sued as it no longer existed.

"Buildings are only insured for loss caused by an event, in the case of the airport roof, much of the damage is due to deterioration of the fixings and corrosion," he said.

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