Bridge area needs village-style redevelopment, say business leaders

James Scott-Anderson of British Marine, also a global consultant for the Blue Economy, gave a talk on sustainable coastal development recently to the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, which is backing plans for improving the Bridge and St Sampson's Harbour. 

The Vale Douzaine approached Chamber for its views on utilising Leale’s Yard as part of the island’s Revive and Thrive initiative needed because of the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a detailed response the business group:

• Expressed frustration at the lack of States’ investment in infrastructure
• Cast doubt on Revive and Thrive going ahead
• Said St Sampson’s is at the heart of the Future Harbour plans, and
• Urged development of under-used areas

Village-style life
Executive Director Kay Leslie told this website: “Chamber is keen to encourage the development of under-utilised areas which can provide space particularly for SMEs and trades/workshops because we know they are in short supply, also housing for young families and downsizers, together with economic opportunities in a location that has the potential to effectively combine business on-site and village-style life.”

She added: “Our broad position is that we are frustrated at the lack of investment in infrastructure in recent years, particularly given that the issue is not lack of funds for States-backed initiatives. We have held one-to-one meetings with Stuart Falla [non-States member on the States Trading Supervisory Board] on the Future Harbour project and know that St Sampson’s is at the heart of his plans. That report is due within a couple of months.”

The business group’s understanding, however, is that Revive and Thrive in its original form is no longer front of mind for P&R under new president Deputy Peter Ferbrache because he wanted a concise action plan and had asked Deputy Chief Minister Heidi Soulsby to lead on it.

Deputy Soulsby has been approached by the joint Douzaine Bridge Working Group for a meeting to discuss this.

Chamber also understands that the planned development is at risk because of the economic impact of Covid. “We will be arranging meetings with P&R and Economic Development, as well as raising the matter with senior officers. One point which we are likely to emphasise is that the Committee for Environment and Infrastructure has historically focussed almost entirely on ‘Environment' rather than ‘Infrastructure’,” said Ms Leslie.

The lack of infrastructure investment in the North of the island has been a concern raised by both the Vale and St Sampson’s Douzaines and remains a particular concern given the reduced level of political representation each parish has under the new island-wide system of electing deputies.

Stagnation
Chartered architect James Barker, who as a member helps Chamber with planning and construction issues, said it was fair to say the Bridge/Leale’s Yard area had for a number of years suffered from stagnation and under-development due to the on-going, and yet to be realised, redevelopment project.

“The area offers lots of opportunities for mixed redevelopment (housing, offices, retail) in order to provide a sustainable development and capitalise on the lovely harbour that sits to its centre,” he said.

“Not only will the new development help to improve the area, it would also provide investment opportunities, create further jobs and employment for local companies, and provide further housing.”

The road infrastructure in and around the Bridge, like so many areas across the island, was in desperate need of upgrading. “I would hope that the Leale’s Yard would be the catalyst to address these problems and provide a well-considered, more user friendly vehicle, cycle and pedestrian route for everyone.”