A long wait to realise potential

A Bridge retailer says: ‘If it gets developed, Leale’s Yard will really help as it will broaden the customer base and make it a busier place.’

The Bridge has been feeling a little sorry for itself for decades, but still holds some potential, not only for shopping but potentially for entertaining and living, as outlined by the Guernsey Development Agency’s initial plans published a year or so ago.

But of course, no progress has been made on that, and so the Bridge limps on, with a closure here, and the odd bright spot there, as recently outlined by the Guernsey Retail Group.

The Bridge holds considerable opportunity, but that will only be unlocked once development of Leale’s Yard becomes a reality.

And sadly there seems to be so much in the way of that.

Talk about developing a retail strategy with the States sounds like a very difficult project to get going and to bring to fruition, and while traders appear happy to talk the area up, and certainly there's no need to talk it down, positive references to ‘some meaningful changes in the next decade’ sound an awful long way away.

The potential is there – but the patience and need to stay positive that seem to be required will be a test.