Co-op ambition invites States to step up
THE Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s latest ambitious plans for Leale’s Yard could hardly have come at a better time.
More than 320 new homes proposed at a time of a housing crisis. Potential regeneration of the Bridge area that should fit neatly with the States’ new ambitions for redevelopment of the island’s east coast. Government and island ambitions to ‘build back better’ are flagging and in need of an injection of energy. When the Chief Minister says that the States has failed hard-working local families – largely over housing.
Having learned lessons from previous failures, the Co-op has already secured a development partner with long-established builders JW Rihoy and Son.
There’s no over-ambitious retail plans this time, but more of a commitment for a ‘community-led’ project and a ‘real destination place’ for islanders.
Aside from supporting through planning permission, the States appears to have plenty of opportunity to climb on board with these proposals in what may be a relatively modest way, financially – certainly in comparison to a tunnel in town. Why not start east coast regeneration on the Bridge, using this development as the trigger?
Development of this site, alongside its neighbour Kenilworth Vinery, which the States bought last year and is intended for a significant social housing development, seems well-timed.
But it also gives the parish authorities from St Sampson’s and the Vale an opportunity to break out their joint plea for serious consideration of infrastructure in the north of the island, which they raised last summer and seemed to go largely unheeded.
Think of the road network around Leale’s Yard and the Bridge. It is far from optimal to service 600 new homes and maybe as many as 2,000 extra residents. If these people can be housed, can their vehicles be accommodated? Can their children be schooled in the area?
The Co-op wants the first phase of its plan to be built within three years of securing planning permission. About the time of the next election?
But if that deadline is to be hit, the States must also step up, and look to play its part at Kenilworth Vinery and the neighbouring environment.