Helipad for tourist flights and Viking ship among island ideas
THE deadline for submitting ideas has passed and the public have had their say on the six St Peter Port sites the States has earmarked for potential regeneration.
Revolving restaurants, a Viking war ship, nightclubs, museums and underground car parks were just a few of the concepts submitted to the online forum before the deadline on 14 December.
Hundreds of people either viewed or gave suggestions for the sites.
Itzhoo suggested we ‘thought big like Victorians’ creating something to serve the needs of 21st century islanders.
‘I am suggesting a raised boardwalk covering most of the area reclaimed from the sea in the 19th century,’ he said.
‘Because it would be reserved for pedestrians, mobility vehicles and bicycles, the structure would be relatively cheap and easy to construct.
‘It would provide the open, traffic-free space where workers and visitors could safely relax in peaceful surroundings.’
The sites put forward for potential redevelopment were the current Guernsey Information Centre, the North Plantation, two sites at La Vallette, the Round Top Stores and the Vivier Bunker.
One person said the Vivier Bunker and land could be used for a helicopter landing pad.
‘The size of the bunker top is ample and what a way to supercharge the use of the bunker,’ they said.
‘Offering short flights or even around-the-island flights.’
While site user Keith said the Round Top Stores could be used for telling the story of some of Guernsey’s past.
‘Recreate the bow of a Viking ship with interpretation boards to explain our Nordic influence,’ he said.
Some of the most viewed suggestions for both the banks of La Vallette and the North Plantation were about leaving them as they are.
‘The idea La Vallette needs vibrant enhancement is ridiculous,’ said Rick.
‘This is a special area of peace, tranquillity and nature.
‘Leave it that way, as was intended by our forefathers when it was created.’
While Hanna said the North Plantation should be kept as it is.
‘There are a number of people who are set on turning everything in to a cobbled plaza with granite benches,’ she said.
‘Lots of people already enjoy this area for eating lunch and watching the world go by, perhaps we could enhance this simple yet very important theme of taking time out to enjoy green space in our towns.’
An expressions of interest process has run in parallel with developers being invited to submit their ideas.
The Guernsey Information Centre has been the focus of several different proposals.
Art For Guernsey is promising to build ‘one of the top ten boutique art venues in the world’.
While the Victor Hugo In Guernsey Society believes the site would be better suited to an interpretation centre celebrating the life and works of the French poet and novelist.
The Seafront Enhancement Area Steering Group will consider all possibilities before outlining its recommendations.
It hopes to see progress on one or more of these sites before October 2019.
