New businesses opening on the Bridge brings hope to the area

BUSINESS owners on the Bridge have said that the opening of new business is a promising turn for the area.

The new owners of Beekers on the Bridge have moved into a new, more modern shop. Staff member Brenda Jones, left, pictured with business owner Ann Mourant. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 33641042)

A wine merchant and nail bar opened their doors last month, and Beekers has moved to larger premises.

UK retailer Home Bargains is the new owner of the former Quayside site on North Side, and the States is due to approve flood defences later this year for the Leale’s Yard project.

‘We’ve moved from number seven to number 15, we have a bigger premises so customers have more choice in a brighter and bigger area,’ said Beekers owner Ann Mourant.

‘Welcoming new businesses is good for the Bridge because there’s shops to be filled and it’s great to have more local businesses and keep it local and a community area. If it gets developed, Leale’s Yard will really help as it will broaden the customer base and make it a busier place.’

Nail Art has moved from Mill Street to Westerbrook on South Side, and fine wine merchant Black Sabre is now open for business in number nine.

Black Sabre owner Josh Sebire has had the business open for about a month. ‘I was looking for a venue and this one came up, I wasn’t specifically looking to be on the Bridge but it’s been going well so far,’ he said.

‘I think for me, the Bridge is a lot more accessible than town as the parking is so close outside, but the more local businesses there are, the more people will want to come to the Bridge.’

Guernsey Retail Group director and director of Ray & Scott on the Bridge, Martin Search, said that entrepreneurs were showing belief and determination by choosing to open new businesses on the Bridge,

‘There is interest in several other units, Leale’s Yard hopefully coming on stream in 2026, Home Bargains being established and other developments,’ he said.

‘The States is also committed to working with the Guernsey Retail Group and the industry in developing a retail strategy for the whole island. I have been working on the Bridge for many years and believe we are at a crucial point with momentum building.

'While there is much still to be done, I am very optimistic that this area will see some meaningful changes in the next decade.’