170-home vision for the Bridge revealed

PLANS to transform the Bridge moved a step closer as the Co-op submitted its ideas for a £100m. redevelopment of Leale's Yard.

The vision includes provision for 170 new homes, 815 parking spaces and 14,450 square metres of retail space on the Bridge site.

A separate application for Lowlands Road includes the option for 11 or seven houses and nine apartments.

Channel Islands Co-operative Society chief executive, Jim Hopley, said the development would be one of the largest undertaken in Guernsey.

'It has taken a long time to come together, and it is still subject to consultation.'

But the Co-op and Leale's Yard Limited, who jointly put forward the planning enquiry, said they would not start work on the larger part of the scheme until the economic situation improves.

'At this particular time, with the credit crunch, it would be difficult,' said Mr Hopley. 'It would also be difficult to find tenants.'

Mr Hopley said he hoped construction could start within 18 months, but it was too early to say at this stage.