Belle Greve scheme ‘likely to remain on shelf indefinitely’

HydroPort Guernsey wants to create a tidal barrage spanning Belle Greve to supply a third of the island’s power, build a purpose-built container port off Longue Hougue, cruise liner and superyacht berths, new land for homes and industry, and significant traffic reduction via a barrage road and ‘Gatwick-style’ monorail between St Sampson’s and St Peter Port.

Its senior executive team have made several presentations to the States over the last two years.

‘As a result, the HydroPort scheme has been refined and improved to meet the challenges of the local environment and opportunities it presents,’ said chairman James Sutcliffe.

The last meeting was held in December.

‘A detailed proposal was put forward by the HydroPort team as a result of the Policy & Resources Committee’s request for indicative costs for a pre-feasibility study to confirm the project’s viability and construction requirements. We, wrongly, assumed this would lead to our appointment to undertake the study.’

No further communication has been received by HydroPort since 5 March when P&R indicated that the Seafront Steering Group would not be able to complete its brief until 2020.

‘Furthermore, HydroPort would be put through a lengthy procurement process.’

HydroPort could be in place in three to four years if work started this year, Mr Sutcliffe said.

‘Unfortunately, it will probably remain “on the shelf” at Sir Charles Frossard House indefinitely.’

Hydroport’s proposals were first submitted to the States in late 2017.