Marine centre at Longue Hougue and green promenade at Bridge
A MULTI-STOREY car park, a marine centre at Longue Hougue and a 'green promenade' are a few of ideas being put forward for the Bridge by the Guernsey Development Agency in an update this week.
However, funding for these and other improvements is likely to need to come from the private sector.
The GDA has been working for more than a year to understand the opportunities along Guernsey’s east coast to produce a strategic vision for the States.
A public consultation last year saw more than 1,100 responses, which found potential for improvements to the Bridge.
The latest vision aims to encourage and facilitate investment in the Bridge to create a vibrant and energetic locale.
Ideas being explored include a marine centre at Longue Hougue which would provide the marine industry with modern facilities, development of a gated breakwater from Blackrock to Longue Hougue to protect the Bridge from flooding, and rerouting and reconfiguring traffic movement along the Bridge frontage to create a 'green promenade' from Northside to La Crocq Pier.
Within this, transport infrastructure and parking needs to be improved and the development of multi-storey parking is suggested.
Deputy Bob Murray, chairman of the Development Agency political oversight group, said the proposals were conceptual at this stage, but if the States approved the policy letter, the GDA would then prepare a detailed plan.
‘While the States will consider the key infrastructure delivery plan in 2026, it is important for the public to note that there is no assumption that the delivery of the GDA’s vision through specific development proposals will be funded by the States,’ he said.
‘The GDA will need to work with the private sector to identify funding options for the delivery of the various elements of the vision.
'However, there may well be a role for the States to consider funding those elements of the vision that represent critical infrastructure, for example. These considerations will take place on a site-by-site basis, through dialogue between the GDA and the political oversight group.’
Guernsey Development Agency chairman Peter Watson said the GDA’s vision for the Bridge was driven by a strong public mandate.
‘Feedback from the community underscores the desire for a vibrant space that brings renewed economic and social energy to the Bridge, while also addressing the need for more housing, permanent flood defences and delivery of waterside areas for the community to enjoy the harbour area,’ he said.
