A new ‘bridge over the Bridge’ is the highlight of a whole range of changes proposed for the area under the Guernsey Development Agency’s plans.
The new bridge would be constructed from the Crocq to the land currently occupied by Marine & General, and would enable two-way traffic with segregated lanes for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
GDA chairman Peter Watson said the bridge would likely be fixed rather than one that opened due to cost.
‘It would have a slight hump in it, so you could still use the marina for small boats,’ he said.
The new bridge would mean the removal of traffic from the west end of the Bridge, with two car parks and a set of emergency gates for heavy vehicles and emergency services put in place instead, as well as increased green space.
‘We had great feedback from retailers on this,’ Mr Watson said.
‘You’d be able to drive to the car park, but you couldn’t drive through it.’
He added the idea would allow for greater commercialisation and pedestrianisation of the area, with the potential construction of businesses on the water’s edge and an increased flow of people walking from the shops to the marina.
The eventual relocation of Marine & General to Longue Hougue as part of a focus on the ‘blue economy’ in the area could see cafes, restaurants, shops and a children’s playground built on M&G’s current site, with a new cycle route and walkway introduced on the water’s edge.
A small transport hub, including an area for electric buses and taxis, and a multi-storey car park, could be created near to Guernsey Electricity’s car park, while a residential and retirement village is planned for the space vacated by the relocation of part of Guernsey Electricity to Longue Hougue.
Mr Watson said none of what was planned for the area would impact any future development of Leale’s Yard.
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