Islanders encouraged to have say on Leale’s Yard

The last tenants left the site more than a decade ago, but various approved development schemes have failed to get off the ground since the Co-op bought the site.

A public drop-in is being held on Thursday 16 January from 2-7pm at the Church on the Rock to allow local residents, businesses and other users of the Bridge to give their views on the area.

The Development & Planning Authority is keen to hear about what it is like now and how developing the Leale’s Yard Regeneration Area could improve the wider vicinity. This drop-in will form part of the preparation of a development framework for the regeneration area.

Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design is leading the project team appointed to create the development framework for the 12.43-acre site, which is bounded by the Bridge, Nocq Road and Lowlands Road, with Lowlands Industrial Estate to the north.

‘This is a significant site in the heart of The Bridge, one of the island’s main centres and, while development has been long awaited, it has the potential to deliver high-quality housing and better services and amenities to serve the whole of the main centre area,’ said DPA president Dawn Tindall.

She said that, when complete, the development framework will set out issues and opportunities for the area and ensure that schemes are well planned from the start in accordance with the policies of the Island Development Plan.

‘This is a great opportunity for the community to get involved and share their views at the start of this project before anything is drafted. This is just the first stage of engagement before work begins to draft a development framework so that the community’s views are gathered and considered from the outset. There will, however, be further opportunities for members of the public to give feedback throughout the process.’

Post-it notes and pens will be placed around the space in order to capture answers to questions including how the site could contribute to the strengths of the St Sampson’s and Vale main centre, what the community would most like to see changed or improved and the uses and activities the area needs in the future and why.

Anyone who is unable to attend the session or would prefer to contribute in writing can do so by emailing planning@gov.gg by 20 January.

Funding for four development frameworks for regeneration areas – Lower Pollet, Mignot Plateau, Mansell Street/Le Bordage and Leale’s Yard – was secured at the end of July.

At the time Deputy Tindall said that she hoped the framework for Leale’s Yard would be completed by the end of 2019.

It was anticipated that each framework would cost in the region of £50,000 to £100,000.