The GSPCA has entered the next phase of its big build with the foundations complete and the cornerstone laid.
For 6 years, Guernsey's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been pushing for a new facility to help care for sick and injured wildlife.
The coronavirus pandemic delayed the Wildlife Hospital project, with the build officially starting in May 2025.
Old buildings have been demolished, trenches dug, and concrete poured.
With the new foundations in place, a crowd gathered today (24 October) to watch the first brick be laid in St Andrew's.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne says it's a 'momentous occasion'.
"We should have been doing this five years ago, but Covid got in the way, and then fundraising.
"We are incredibly grateful to everybody and incredibly excited for the next year.
"We are still looking at the end of 2026 for completion."
The longest serving member of staff at the GSPCA, Yvonne Chauvel, was chosen to lay the cornerstone.
“I was completely overwhelmed and honoured to be asked to lay the first brick.
"The GSPCA has been such a huge part of my life, and to be part of this historic moment means the world to me.
"I’ve seen so much change over the years, and this new Wildlife Hospital will make an incredible difference for the animals and the team.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
@islandfm GSPCA bricklaying ceremony for the upcoming Wildlife Hospital 💚🐾 🗣️Manager Steve Byrne #channelislands #guernsey #animal ♬ Countryside - Andrew Joy
So far, the charity has raised £1.5M towards the estimated £3.7M needed to complete the project, which is around 40%.
Steve noted that without the generous discounts from Guernsey organisations, the project’s cost would likely be closer to £6 million.
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