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Credit crunch won't affect Tourgis deal

The Dutch company planning to develop Fort Tourgis is totally committed to the project despite the global credit crunch.

Policy and Finance chairman Richard Willmott said Verweij en Partners (VP) had been asked whether the credit crunch would jeopardise their plans to turn Fort Tourgis into a hotel and conference centre.

Mr Willmott said: "It would not be surprising if VP put the project on hold because of the credit crunch. We phoned and asked about it and they said they wanted to go ahead.

"We have received nothing to indicate that there is anything but total commitment."

VP signed a £1m option agreement to develop Fort Tourgis in June. The deal includes £400,000 to improve the airport's terminal building.

Mr Willmott said VP have two years to honour the agreement.

He said: "We have signed an option agreement with VP and they have two years to exercise that option.

"The upcoming planning application will crystallise the process. VP are confident they will start work in a year's time."

Chief executive David Jeremiah said the States hadn't received a deposit from VP.

He said: "There is no deposit. The deposit gets paid when VP exercises the option. The final amount will be paid when that is completed."

VP have a strong record of completed projects, primarily in, but not restricted to The Netherlands, including a significant number of restorations of historic buildings.

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