Martin Search, managing director of jewellers Ray & Scott, said the move was good news for Guernsey and the Bridge.
‘It’s really a breath of fresh air because we’ve heard lots of doubting comments saying nothing’s going to happen, nothing’s going to happen, but to actually see they’ve put in planning permission to pull down the remaining buildings is really, really good,’ he said.
‘We may finally be able to see some progress being made, which will greatly help this area, and it’ll be good obviously on the housing front for Guernsey, and I’m hoping for the Bridge as well, because I’m hoping to get the Bridge looking back to its former glory, which it hasn’t been for 25 years.’
Current access to the Leale’s Yard site is via Bridge Avenue, which requires vehicles to drive through the parking area in front of shops. The proposed new vehicle entrance will allow traffic heading to the site, including large vehicles, to avoid these more pedestrianised areas and instead access the site via a new arm off the existing mini roundabout.
An informal pedestrian crossing has been proposed across the new entrance, while the current bus shelter will be relocated to the end of New Road near the junction with South Quay. An additional bus stop is proposed north of the roundabout on Vale Avenue.
‘It can only be positive and I think that’s a great position to put the new entrance because it’s right on the junction and it will really help the area,’ said Mr Search.
Clearing the site and starting development at Leale’s Yard has been agreed as one of the ‘super priorities’ for the States this political term, and creating this new entrance is a continuation of enabling works.
‘The first step in developing Leale’s Yard is to prepare and clear the site. That requires planning permission, ecological surveys, and contamination assessments before careful demolition, so there is a significant amount of technical work that needs to happen before anything visible can take place – and that work is already under way,’ said Policy & Resources president Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez.
‘We’re also working to create a master plan which is essentially about setting out a clear, sensible plan for how Leale’s Yard and nearby sites, Saltpans and Parc Le Lacheur, can be developed cohesively. It ensures everything fits together properly and works well for the wider area and the community as a whole.
‘The benefits will extend across the wider Braye du Valle, unlocking private investment, creating new spaces for business and the community, generating jobs and helping to bring more social and economic vibrancy back to this important part of the island.’
This is just one of several pieces of enabling work being carried out to prepare the Leale’s Yard site for development to take place in the future.
The committee has already gone out to tender for the required demolition and master planning work, with both these pieces of work expected to commence later this year.
There is already planning permission in place for demolition of most of the buildings on the site, but if this application is approved it would allow the buildings to be demolished at the same time, delivering better value for money.
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