But it does not make the list of Guernsey Ports’ capital spending plans for the year, which are focused on projects which support critical harbour operations. These were re-prioritised after the Covid-19 pandemic ‘severely’ impacted finances.
‘While the Havelet slipway project is not critical to the commercial workings of the harbour, Guernsey Ports does recognise its social importance to the wider community,’ Colin Le Ray, managing director of the Ports, said.
‘With this in mind, the States’ Trading Supervisory Board intends to raise, with Policy & Resources, the possibility of using some of the significant sum set aside for minor capital works at the recent Budget debate to carry out this project.’
Guernsey Ports does, however, accept that in this respect it would need to be judged alongside a number of other coastal infrastructure projects, such as the anti-tank wall at L’Ancresse and the repair of Fermain seawall.
Nearly £70m. has been set aside in the Budget to cover minor capital projects between 2021 and 2024.
Minor capital allocations are used to fund investment in States’ assets, including critical infrastructure, with a limit of £2m. for each individual project.
In January 2020 it was reported that work was due to begin on Havelet slipway in April, after it bore the brunt of force 10 winds and large waves in November 2018. It has been closed since.
In respect of the Castle Bridge, leading from just past the Model Yacht Pond to Castle Cornet, STSB understands that funding for the repair of the structure will be considered during the next prioritisation review of the States’ capital portfolio.
‘This will form a separate project to the current and future work planned at Castle Cornet,’ Mr Le Ray said.
‘In the meantime, continued monitoring of the Castle Bridge’s condition and its load limits continues.’
In February 2018 it was reported that inspections were being carried out on the bridge to assess the likely extent or repairs required. The following month, consultants carried out load testing – but no work has been done on the area.
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