Transformational vision for the Bridge to be kickstarted with £1.6m. funding

Thursday 31 October 2024

A marina extending out to a new gated breakwater, a green promenade stretching along the waterside from Northside to La Croque Pier and affordable flats form the heart of a vision for the Bridge.

The Guernsey Development Agency will receive another £1.6m. to continue its work developing the proposals, which also envisages a modern marine centre being created at Longue Hougue, if the States agrees the Budget.

A process will also be set up for transferring States land to the Agency, under Policy & Resources proposals that have just been published and set to be debated by the Assembly.

The GDA was established by the States in July 2023 to investigate opportunities on the east coast and has so far concentrated on the Bridge.

"The GDA has worked remarkably hard to date in order to understand the opportunities at the Bridge and create a vision for the area which seeks to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits for the wider area," said Deputy Bob Murray, Chair of the Guernsey Development Agency Political Oversight Group.

"While the developments identified by the GDA are conceptual at this stage, it has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the culture of the Bridge and has presented an approach which fits together as a comprehensive plan."

He stressed that there was no assumption that specific development proposals will be funded by the States.

"The GDA will need to work with the private sector to identify funding options for the delivery of the various elements of the vision. However, there may well be a role for the States to consider funding those elements of the vision that represent critical infrastructure, for example. These considerations will take place on a site-by-site basis, through dialogue between the GDA and the Political Oversight Group."

The GDA has prepared a strategic vision for the Bridge. Its plan will be considered by the States in 2026.

"This vision for the Bridge represents a jigsaw of developments, all of which are interlinked and must come forward as a phased package in order to release the greatest overall benefit to the Bridge as a whole," P&R's States report says.

Its initial vision includes:

- The creation of a marine centre at Longue Hougue to provide the marine industry with modern and fit for purpose facilities which will then make available significant areas of land along the St Peter Port and St Sampson waterfront for uses which maximise the social, economic and environmental potential of the areas.

- Development of a gated breakwater from Blackrock to Longue Hougue which would provide flood defence for the whole of the Bridge as well as the low-lying areas of land along the Braye du Valle. This would also allow for a significant expansion in the marina offering, with commercial shipping activities to support the island's construction industry relocated alongside the marine centre at Longue Hougue.

- Rerouting and reconfiguring traffic movement along the Bridge frontage which will allow the creation of a green promenade which spans the majority of the water's edge on Northside and wraps around the Bridge frontage to La Crocq Pier. It says this will create and environment which is conducive to encouraging people to spend time in these areas, which will in turn provide opportunities for supporting commercial activities to be developed.

- The opportunity to provide much needed rental accommodation close to the heart of the Bridge. The primary aim is not to maximise one-off income through selling luxury apartments, but provide rental apartments that are affordable. In some cases waterfront residential development will only be possible if existing "blast zones" can be removed, which in turn is reliant on other infrastructure development.

- Improving parking provision through the reorganisation and consolidation of existing spaces and the development of multi-storey parking on underutilised sites.

- A mobility hub, which will enable residents and visitors to move efficiently throughout the Bridge and provide improved transport options for individuals commuting to other areas

Peter Watson, Guernsey Development Agency Chair, said that its vision for the Bridge is driven by a strong public mandate and reflects the significant potential for transformation along Guernsey’s east coast.

“Feedback from the community underscores the desire for a vibrant space that brings renewed economic and social energy to the Bridge, whilst also addressing the need for more housing, permanent flood defences and delivery of waterside areas for the community to enjoy the harbour area," he said.

"The enhancements would boost not only the marine economy but give greater opportunities for leisure spaces and retail businesses as well. Continuous engagement with local experts is also key to ensure plans are aligned to the needs and aspirations of the community.”