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An expert report has found improvements can be made to Sark’s marine facilities in a timely, affordable, and environmentally sympathetic way - with the investigations coming off the back of The Prince’s Foundation's visit to the island earlier this year.
It suggests that Maseline Harbour could be improved with a new breakwater to calm the sea on choppier days, modernised cargo handling and a rail-mounted crane, and indoor passenger waiting area and safety enhancements for the stairway.
Creux Harbour could similarly be enhanced by deepening the seabed and installing a fixed sill – a lip at the entrance of a marina – to allow for floating boat berths at all states of the tide. Associated facilities for visitors and locals such as showers, a seasonal café or restaurant and better storage for fishing gear is also touted.
An extension to the Maseline jetty and a new yacht marina have been discounted by the report as unaffordable and “not financially viable”.
However, it’s noted that many of the improvements rely on the incinerator and waste storage being relocated away from the harbour area, but the prospect of this was widely supported by residents during a community workshop run by The Prince’s Foundation earlier this year.
Chief Pleas, the island’s government, would need to have an active role in any development since both Maseline and Creux are publicly owned infrastructure.
Pictured: You can read the full report HERE.
The report was produced by Simon Arrol CEng FICE for the Sark Property Company, who has four-decades worth of international experience in marina and waterfront design.
The Company is a venture by the island’s Seigneur, Christopher Beaumont, and entrepreneur Swen Lorenz, who are seeking to buy up millions of pounds worth of land to future proof Sark and create what they call a “modern day utopia”.
Mr Beaumont said the “considerable expertise and insight” contained in the report would assist Chief Pleas and the community to forge new developments and find consensus on the preferred direction of travel.
“The harbour is island owned, so we invited Chief Please to meet Simon when he was here, we have also sent them the full report. Having shared the findings, it is up to Chief Pleas and other stakeholders to find a way forward. But this report certainly does a lot of the legwork, and we would remain as active as we’re asked to be in any future development,” he said.
“The report makes clear that meaningful improvements are possible, and if all the recommendations are adopted we could see a much more functional and welcoming harbour space in a relatively short timeframe, which would be a huge step in the right direction for Sark.”
Express has written extensively on regeneration opportunities for Sark, including the views of residents, the impact of The Prince’s Foundations’ visit, and the ambitions of the Sark Property Company. All can be read below.
Pictured (top): Simon Arrol.
FOCUS: The £100m dream for Sark
Hundreds lay out the positives, negatives, and opportunities in Sark
Sark government breaks silence on Prince’s Foundation plans
FOCUS: Sark wasn’t built in a day
Sark represents a “huge opportunity for regeneration”
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