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Plans for the redevelopment of Leale's Yard are moving forward with work starting to relocate insects, worms and other creatures so that the remaining structures can be demolished.
The Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited and its development partner, Omnibus Investment Holdings Limited, has asked for planning permission to take down the last remaining buildings at the site behind the Bridge.
Once that permission is granted - and the Co-op and Omnibus are hopeful it will be - Omnibus will start the demolition work.
Pictured: The plans for Leale's Yard - which have been approved - include designs for hundreds of houses, shops, food outlets and outdoor spaces.
Mark Cox, CEO at the Channel Island Coop, said a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to enable the buildings to be removed.
“Our approach to the management of the ecological and environmental challenges the site preparation entails, is a perfect example of this commitment," he said. "We have been sensitively managing these risks, as well as making the site safe and secure for future redevelopment.
“Coop’s latest application for permissions continues this commitment and joined approach with Omnibus. Within the application, we have set-out the case to progress the demolitions, and how the arisings will be disposed of to meet environmental and sustainable standards. We also explain how the works will be completed when the demolitions are approved. We hope that this information is of interest to people, and we look forward to working with Omnibus and the States of Guernsey to secure the permissions sought."
The structures that need removing are said to be either structurally unsafe or derelict and "have no viable or sustainable use for them in their current state".
Omnibus Director, Charles McHugh, said everything has been considered, including the environmental risks of the materials being taken down and the ecological impact on wildlife in the area.
There has already been work to minimise that impact with insects and animals being re-housed elsewhere.
The final transfer out of Leale's Yard will see a community of slow worms moved to a purpose-built site at Bordeaux.
Pictured: Slow worms at Leale's Yard will be re-housed at Bordeaux.
Once all of the wildlife has been re-housed, and if planning permission is given for the demolition to go ahead, work will start on preparing the Leale's Yard site for the building of more than 330 homes, with 400 parking spaces, and a food and retail area.
Mr McHugh said the "masterplan" includes new roads, pavements, active transport lanes, greenspaces, community and civic spaces.
"This investment will deliver much-needed new jobs, homes, and opportunities for the island, and key workers will be able to enjoy high-quality purpose-built living / business units in a pleasing environment with sustainable transport connections," he said.
“The demolitions of the existing structures will, when permitted, mark further progress towards the delivery of this vision and the masterplan for the site.”
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