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At the corner of Rue de la Paix and Rue de la Suède in Gustavia, metal barriers block access to the construction site. For several weeks now, construction has been underway beneath the building that houses the offices of the Red Cross territorial delegation in Saint Barthélemy to build an extension. The project is funded by the Territorial Collectivity and is estimated to cost just over 500,000 euros. On Friday, May 15, under the direction of architect Laure Guyon of LG Studio, Territorial Council President Xavier Lédée and Red Cross Delegation President Éric Djamakorzian toured the site. Cécile Tessier, chair of the Social Affairs Committee, was also present.
The start of construction proved more complicated than expected. “The existing cistern was built in the old style, with rounded corners, thick walls, and great depth,” explains Laure Guyon. With an additional two meters of depth, the plans had to be redesigned. This had the advantage of allowing for the installation of a new, larger cistern.
The expansion of the facilities will allow the Red Cross to provide a place of refuge for the island’s most vulnerable residents, particularly those without a permanent home. Changing rooms, showers, restrooms, and a washing machine will be available. And volunteers will have much more space—not only to carry out their duties but also to store donations, supplies, and more.
The stairs leading down Rue de la Suède and running alongside the new building will be rebuilt. A landscaped area is also planned. Structural work is expected to begin in early July.
