The derelict site, which runs behind the shops on the Bridge, straddles the boundary between St Sampson’s and Vale. Both parishes have been keen to see the site rejuvenated and put back to good use.
St Sampson’s senior constable Adrian Dilcock said the the parish saw the redevelopment of Leale’s Yard as a key enabler to the regeneration of the Bridge, but recognised there were challenges.
‘They understand that given the island’s ongoing structural deficit the Policy & Resources Committee must be more prudent than ever before as regards investment in a private development,’ he said.
‘On that basis whilst anything which may delay the redevelopment of Leale’s Yard is regrettable it is both understandable and sensible.
‘This is particularly true, mindful of the need to put in place adequate and by extension expensive flood defences for the Bridge and the wider former Braye du Valle channel, much of which is well below sea level.
‘The estimated area encompassed by and potential depth of flooding has increased considerably between the 2012 Royal Haskoning Flood Risk Survey and the 2023 Binnies Flood Risk Assessment as the effects of global warming and rising sea levels have been taken into account.’
Vale senior constable Richard Leale said he was disappointed but not surprised by the latest update.
He believed the States needed to compulsory purchase for any progress to be made.
‘At least then it might happen,’ he said.
He said if it was not developed, it would be better for the site to be cleared and turned into a grassland, so at least it would look better than the current industrial ruins. There are also concerns about safety.
‘I gather there have been difficulties with youngsters going and playing in the building,’ he said.
‘We’ve had a few calls to the douzaine office, but they need to contact the police.’
The police last week confirmed that young people had been gathering inside abandoned buildings, with content and trends on social media encouraging this potentially dangerous behaviour.
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