Leale's Yard demolition to start 'within 12 months'

It is looking for contractors able to start to clear the former industrial area within the next 12 months before it it redeveloped as a mixed-use site – housing and commercial units – in keeping with the already approved planning framework for the site.

This potential movement in the long-derelict area follows the States buying most of Leale's Yard from owners the CI Co-op in August.

The Co-op has retained a small section of the site which it intends to develop separately for housing.

In a release, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, head of the Policy and Resources Committee, said:

Important
"Leale's Yard is a strategically important site, so maintaining momentum is essential. Development doesn't take place overnight, especially for a site of this scale, but we're progressing through the necessary stages as quickly as possible. We're planning the necessary demolition – which will be the first visible signs of progress – at the earliest opportunity.

"Behind the scenes, we're working hard on plans to improve the transport network in the area, an essential component for this project to succeed. We will provide updates on how the project is developing as the work progresses."

• While a development framework for the area has already been established, the States has said that the overall layout and design will change from the outline planning permission already in place.