Press Release - Nunnery Tenancy 20.05.2021

States takes decisive action on The Nunnery

The States of Alderney has voted to end a tenancy agreement with the Alderney Bird Observatory (ABO) for parts of The Nunnery Heritage site, with three months' notice.

The Island's senior politician, Bill Abel, has called for all parties to work together to restore Alderney's reputation as a great place to live and work following negative and often inaccurate claims in what has become a public row.

Members voted six to three with one abstention to approve an amended proposition to "terminate the ABO's tenancy agreement of The Nunnery and to direct the Policy and Finance Committee (P&F) to give notice of the termination of the agreement in accordance with its terms".

Mr Abel, Chairman of P&F, said: "The poor relationship between various groups across the Island, and the unproductive ABO media campaign, is damaging the reputation of the Island.

"The provision of subsidised accommodation at the Nunnery in competition with the Accommodation Sector has been a point of contention and needs to be resolved.

"The failure to resolve the issues over several years has led to, and continues to lead to, a significant waste of time that could be used more productively for the benefit of the Island."

The States spent £317,500 refurbishing the Nunnery to include hostel accommodation for up to 10 visitors. The original intention was to use the facilities for the benefit of various interest groups and any earnings in excess of running costs would be invested back into the conservation of the historic site.

With this decision, the States has created an opportunity for open engagement with the community to explore the future use of this unique asset.

"The States needed to take control of The Nunnery so that meaningful discussions can be had with all groups and the community to resolve this issue for the benefit of the Island," said Mr Abel.

An earlier amendment to defer the termination by two months failed by seven votes to three.

P&F will now review the use of The Nunnery and hold discussions with interested parties.