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A local businessman has been inspired to enact his lifelong dream of building a tunnel from the east coast of Guernsey to the west, after hearing of the States’ debate on a potential seafront tunnel.
During debate on the creation of a development agency in Guernsey, the States has been asked to investigate the possibility of building a tunnel between the South Esplanade and North Beach.
On hearing this, James Underpass decided to enact a multi-million-pound investment in his own tunnel.
“I’ve been thinking about this for years and I’ve already got planning permission, I just need to start the process,” he said.
“I’m lucky in that I’m very rich. I’ve always wanted to invest in my community, then I thought… tunnels! People like those.”
Pictured: The tunnel will be lit by underground solar streetlights to save on electricity costs.
Mr Underpass is planning to sink £85 million into the project and utilise local construction firms to help build it all out of granite.
“It’ll pay for itself in no time,” he said, suggesting a toll charge of £20 each way.
It’s hoped the 5km project could be completed by 1 April 2023 and include an underground café somewhere below the Sausmarez Park pond.
“We’ll have a glass ceiling, so people can look at the ducks,” he said.
Pictured top: The tunnel would allow people to drive directly onto the beach.
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