About Rihoy & Son
For over 100 years, Rihoy & Son has built more than structures – we’ve built trust, communities, and developments for Guernsey and overseas.
We don’t just build for clients – we build with them. Side by side. From idea to completion. Together.
Originally established by John William Rihoy in 1924, the company started working exclusively for the horticulture industry, building and maintaining glasshouses.
The business diversified after World War II when John, affectionately known as Jack, built his first carpenter’s shop behind the family home in the Ville Baudu, Vale.
From 1950 until 1990, John Rihoy jnr, Jack’s son, made the business his life’s work and took it forward to become one of the most successful building contractors in Guernsey.
In 1958, Rihoy & Son relocated to its current home at Sandy Hook, L’Islet. The business has expanded its operations significantly to include the construction of new housing, domestic extensions, refurbishment, major projects for the finance, hotel and tourist trade, the industrial sector and the States of Guernsey.
Gavin and Jeremy Rihoy, are third generation Rihoys working for the privately owned family company.
1924
Founding of JW Rihoy
At 20 years old, John William (Jack) Rihoy establishes the business, initially focused on building and maintaining greenhouses for the growing industry.
Occupation
During the occupation, Jack was evacuated with his family to England where he worked for Paulings Ltd, the firm that built St Saviour’s Reservoir.
1940s
Post war years
The company resumes operations after the war, still serving the island’s dominant industry of tomato growing.
Carpentry workshop
Joined by his son John the pair built the company’s first carpentry shop behind the family home in Ville Baudu, Vale.
First public works contract
Awarded the contract to construct Public toilets at L’Ancresse Bay.
1950s
Expansion into general construction
The company builds some of the first States Houses, including: Rectory Hill Estate, Castel, La Vrangue Estate (beside Post Office HQ) and Route des Coutures Estate (St Martins).
Company incorporation
The business is incorporated as JW Rihoy & Son Ltd.
1957s
1960s
Major commercial and public projects
Projects included Construction of the iconic Pan Britannic Industries (PBI) Headquarters (now BBC and Channel TV), Building of The Pony Inn and the first major private house built at Amarreurs Bay.
1962
New Headquarters
The business moved to Pine Trees, L’Islet, where the company remains today
Industrial & commercial growth
1971 marked the construction of the first industrial building at Pitronnerie Road Industrial Estate and in 1973 Rihoy & Son completed work on Kings Club, which would become one of the island’s premier health and fitness centres. In 1992, the company would return to build the club’s new extension, a £2m project that included a function site and restaurant.
1970s
1978
Important infrastructure
The business tendered for and won the contract to extend Guernsey Airport. The bid submitted to the Board of Administration was for £307,501.47.
Commercial and upgrade projects
Though the business was renowned for its commercial projects it also continued to build prestigious private home and undertake significant upgrades including the Chalet Hotel and Town Church.
1980s
1984
First £1 million+ contract
Rihoy & Son awarded its first £1M+ contract to build Duchess of Kent House Phase 2.
Growth in public and private sectors
In line with the growth of the business, its scope of work continued to expand covering projects in retail, office space, health and education projects as well as prestigious private homes across the Bailiwick.
1990s
1993
L’Aumone Garage
While the L’Aumone Garage, Castel was still up and running, Rihoy & Son erected the modern forecourt and transparent canopy feature, car wash and shop area.
Masonic Temple
Construction began on the Masonic Centre, Rue de la Vallee, St Martin’s.
1997
Luxury homes
The 1990s saw the construction of numerous high end homes including Castel House and La Maison de la Battaile.
Town projects
Adept at tackling difficult sites, Rihoy & Son completed Lancaster Court and the refurbishment of Creasey’s in Smith Street, both in the heart of Town.
2000s
Retail and large-scale developments
The turn of the new century brought a steady demand for large scale developments across retail, commercial and residential projects. Notable amongst them was the Admiral Park Development on the outskirts of St Peter Port.
Flagship Store
Part of the Admiral Park development was the B&Q flagship, which incorporated two inclined travelators, a first for Guernsey.
Express supermarket
Construction got underway for a new 52,000 sq. ft. Checkers Supermarket (Now Waitrose). It cost £14m to develop and was completed ready for trading in 14 months.
£10 million residential development
Stage 1 of the development on the site of the former Royal Hotel was to design and build 68 one and two bedroom apartments and underground car parking.
2003s
Royal development
Royal Terrace was the second phase of the development and saw Rihoy & Son completely fit out 30 apartments (open and local market) and finish the site with external landscaping and underground parking facilities.
Tudor House
Demolition of 1960s structure and construction of new office and residential units in the heart of St Peter Port.
2010s
Homes for all
In addition to ongoing commercial projects, the 2010’s brought a wide range of residential builds. From Social housing and affordable options of the GHA to luxury single and multiple developments.
Fort George
Open Market property developed as part of the renaissance of Fort George.
Sheltered housing
Redevelopment of Longue Rue house into a modern sheltered housing complex.
A Number One development
One St Julians Avenue was developed on the old Randalls Brewery Site and is a specular blend of a heritage building with modern additions to provide a mix of open and local market properties, fitted out to the highest standard.
2020s
Onwards and upwards
Following the difficult working conditions surrounding the global pandemic. Rihoy & Son, pushed ahead with a range of projects that illustrate the versatility and drive that has been present throughout our history.
Bespoke home
Our craftsmen excel at delivering any size project from bespoke homes to major developments each is undertaken with the same care and attention to detail.
Premier hospitality
Part of the Admiral Park Development and a significant investment in Guernsey’s Hospitality industry.
When old meets new
Within Rihoy and Son, we have the range of skills needed to be able to restore and renovate historical and heritage elements of any development whilst utilising every modern method of construction to its best effect.
Fort le Crocq Private Home
Guernsey Housing Association
We have had a long and strong relationship with the Guernsey Housing Association and this decade saw the completion of several of their projects including this one, opposite a States Housing project built in our early days.
Admiral Park completion
The Plaza at Admiral Park encompasses four major developments by Rihoy and Son: The Julius Baer Headquarters, Good Rebel Restaurant, Premier Inn and the impressive Plaza House, over 68,000 sq ft of prime office space.
2024
Our centenary year
We celebrate 100 years of building excellence!
