GUERNSEY
Cobo Bay Hotel Redevelopment
March 12, 2026
Client
Nuttree Ltd
Sector
Hospitality
Scope & Services
Structural and Civil Engineering
Architect
PF+A
Project Overview:
Cobo Bay Hotel is undergoing a significant phased redevelopment designed to enhance both its appearance and functionality, while supporting its long-term investment plans. For T&G Structural Engineers, the project has involved delivering practical structural solutions that respond to the constraints of the existing building, while enabling the hotel’s wider transformation to move forward in a controlled and buildable way.
Phase 1: staff accommodation and accessible guest rooms
Phase 1 has focused on the creation of a new 12-bedroom staff block to the rear of the hotel, together with new accessible guest bedrooms at ground floor level.
The works have included a steel frame extension over the existing terrace area to the rear of the hotel, a new three-storey stair block, and a range of internal alterations to create additional staff bedrooms and living space. T&G carried out the structural design of the new steel frame extensions, alongside an assessment of the existing structure to confirm that it could safely support the proposed additional loads.
The structural solution required careful integration between new and existing elements. Frame loads are supported on a combination of new and existing piled foundations, allowing the design to respond to both the physical constraints of the site and the practical demands of construction.
To support coordination, the building was modelled in 3D. This helped streamline discussions during the design phase and provided clear reference points for the wider design team and contractor once works were on site. On a phased redevelopment of an operational hotel building, that level of clarity is important in reducing uncertainty and supporting efficient delivery.
Phase 1 is now nearing completion, with the structural works complete.
T&G’s Role:
T&G’s involvement in Phase 1 has included:
- structural design of the new steel frame extensions
- assessment of the existing building structure
- coordination of new and existing load paths
- foundation strategy using both new and retained piled elements
- 3D modelling to support design coordination and site communication
The project is a good example of the value of practical structural thinking in a live redevelopment environment. Rather than approaching the works as a standalone extension, the engineering response had to consider the existing building, future development phases and the realities of construction sequencing.
Phases 2 and 3
Phases 2 and 3 are currently in design and will continue the wider redevelopment of the hotel. These stages are planned to include a new sunset bar and restaurant, a third-floor extension to create six additional hotel rooms, and a new contemporary façade treatment with wraparound balconies.
Together, these works will significantly reshape the hotel and build on the structural groundwork established during Phase 1. As the redevelopment progresses, the engineering focus remains on providing robust, coordinated and buildable solutions that support the wider design intent.
Project Lead
The project for T&G Structural Engineers is led by Tom McCarthy, Director.
Tom combines technical leadership with wider responsibility for managing T&G’s engineering design work and helping shape the company’s strategic direction. As a highly experienced civil and structural engineer, he oversees the delivery of design excellence across the practice while also leading his own projects across a broad range of sectors, from refurbishments to major residential, leisure, retail and commercial developments.
With more than 12 years of practical experience, Tom brings a strong understanding of both structural design and project delivery. His background includes work on heritage refurbishments, extensions to existing buildings, and large-scale developments in Jersey, giving him the breadth of experience needed for complex phased projects such as Cobo Bay Hotel.
Tom graduated from the University of Leeds in 2010 with a Master’s Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and became a Chartered Engineer with the IStructE in 2019.
Tom McCarthy, Director, T&G Structural Engineers, said:
“This project has required a careful balance between new structural intervention and a clear understanding of the existing building. Our role has been to develop solutions that are safe, practical and well coordinated, while supporting the hotel’s wider redevelopment plans. Phase 1 has established that foundation, and the next stages will continue to build on that with the same focus on clarity, buildability and sound engineering judgement.”
Outcome:
The Cobo Bay Hotel redevelopment demonstrates how phased structural engineering can support a wider programme of investment and improvement. In Phase 1, T&G has helped deliver the structural framework for new staff accommodation and accessible guest rooms, while carefully assessing and integrating with the existing building.
It is a measured and practical piece of engineering work on a prominent Guernsey site, reflecting T&G’s approach across the Channel Islands: clear advice, technically sound design and solutions that work in practice as well as on paper.
For more information on T&G’s engineering solutions for this project or to discuss your own engineering enquiries, contact Tom McCarthy at [email protected], call 01534 867070, or visit www.tag.je.
The T & G team behind the
Creation of Cambray House
Why choose T & G?
Over more than 30 years in business, we have been involved in projects across the Channel Islands, spanning every type of construction, working on large commissions and small, encompassing the requirements of private and public sector clients. Each has been approached with the same determined, creative professionalism that drives everything T&G does.
Choosing to work with T&G in Guernsey or Jersey provides assurance of the same high quality approach. We take pride in understanding and meeting client requirements, in finding solutions to engineering challenges and ensuring satisfaction at the completion of every project or piece of work.
Tom McCarthy
DIRECTOR
Profile
An experienced and committed professional engineer coupled with a passion for organisational management and strategic development, Tom’s role and responsibilities at T&G encompass both managing its engineering design work and setting and delivering company plans and direction.
As a highly competent civil and structural engineer with over 12 years of practical experience, he oversees the work of T&G’s engineering team, focusing on excellence in design and quality delivery. Tom will also take the lead on his own projects, which can range from small refurbishments to large-scale new-build retail, residential, leisure and office developments.
As director at T&G he works with fellow senior management team members across a range of organisational planning, development and governance activities. These include competitive positioning, client relationships, system and process development, talent management and regulatory compliance and reporting.
Tom’s career to date has presented an extensive and wide range of challenging engineering engagements across a variety of industry sectors. This includes education, where he has been responsible for both extensions to existing schools and sensitive refurbishment of historic educational estate. He has worked on specific heritage developments including the conversion of listed farm buildings into contemporary dwellings. And been involved in several significant residential developments, including some of the largest carried out in Jersey.
Tom graduated from the University of Leeds in 2010 with a Master’s Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and went on to qualify as a Chartered Engineer with the IStructE in October 2019.
Notable projects
West Lynn, Jersey
Refurbishment and extension of listed granite farmhouse to create a new modern home while preserving the existing structure.
Co-op En Route Trinity, Jersey
Construction of a new out-of-town retail store with first floor apartments and associated fuel station.
De Gruchy, Jersey
Internal alterations to an existing department store and construction of a new three storey extension to create additional retail floor space.
La Vielle Ecole, Jersey
Acclaimed redevelopment and refurbishment of the former St Martin’s primary school to create retail and commercial facilities for the benefit of the local community.
The Limes, Jersey
Construction of 130 apartments within six-storey complex that includes basement car park and landscaped communal gardens.
Merchants Square (Bath Street), Jersey
A £70 million development of 144 apartments over five blocks in central St Helier plus a 122-bedroom hotel and commercial units.
Qualifications: MEng (Hons), MI Struct E, CEng