Vision for The Bridge as a community of retirees

The Bridge has long suffered as the poor relation of Town, largely as a result of it providing the essential 'dirty goods' infrastructure for the island. However, for those islanders who know and love it, there's an opportunity to take the initiative and restore it as a vibrant and viable commercial hub. An extensive programme of redevelopment could go some way to answering some of Guernsey's long-term needs while also drawing on St Sampson's rich history and the undeniable scenic potential of its surroundings. There have been suggestions made of other schemes in the past but none has identified the full potential of the resources available.

The last thing Guernsey needs in this location is a new, large supermarket and destination shopping complex aimed at drawing people away from existing outlets and adding to the area's traffic-management problems that become apparent at peak congestion times. It may be seen as promoting 'healthy' competition but that's a pretty transitory benefit when other businesses close.

The really pressing need is to address the island's rapidly ageing demographic while there is still time. Radical answers are needed to provide for the continuing expansion of our pensioner population, which might also go some way to relieving our chronic housing costs by encouraging elderly owners to move out of large 'under-occupied' properties into smaller, purpose-built units.

The topography and level nature of The Bridge and its surrounding area, together with the space afforded by Leale's Yard and the data park, would seem to make this an unrivalled site to provide extensive housing and sheltered accommodation for the retired. The burgeoning economic strength of the 'grey' pound and the demand for goods and services within walking distance would lead to a huge resurgence of spending in the area from those with the time and inclination to shop and pass the time of day and who would rather not have to get into a car in order to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle.

A retirement-focused community of several thousand would present its own challenges in development but it would also provide the opportunity to make a real statement of intent about care for the elderly into the future. Initiatives to be incorporated into the scheme could include a purpose-built dementia care centre and a research and development facility to promote healthcare products for the elderly. Guernsey could promote itself as a centre for medical excellence in this and other fields.

However, this wouldn't all be about altruism. It's been shown that the spending power of the over 50s accounts for about 50% of all economic activity in the UK and there's no reason to suppose it's any different in Guernsey. This makes it a resource to be catered for like any other demand and it could provide the financial input to revitalise local shops and services.

To cater for its new role, The Bridge could be transformed by a public-private partnership, which would, in itself, make a real political statement of intent regarding the future of the island. There appears to have been little in the way of forward and strategic planning over the last two decades and, five years into a recession with no obvious end in sight, a suitable civic project concerning the regeneration of St Sampson's would provide a positive direction of travel and a boost of confidence for the whole island.

Having identified the source of revenue to kick-start this redevelopment, you can then look at the enhancement activity that would bring out the full potential of The Bridge and which might even lead to a boost to the tourist economy.

Firstly, traffic-calming measures would have to be undertaken, with vehicles being diverted by a new 'ring road' to the west and a low bridge or underpass to the east (perhaps even a tunnel connecting Longue Hougue to the parking area below the Vale Castle). The aim would be to pedestrianise the seafront from the Crocq all around the South Side and across The Bridge. While service vehicles would still have access at certain times, the area surrounding the inner marina would be dug up and hard landscaped for walking and recreational-based activity. It would become a natural setting for coffee shops and al fresco eating.

Within the overall scheme could be some enhanced high-end residential units (possibly involving the release of a number of new open-market registrations for occupation by the over 60s and with a revenue claw-back on all future sales), a hotel with special facilities for the elderly and disabled, and improved parking – perhaps by way of a multi-storey on blighted land owned by Guernsey Electricity. The marina would continue to be upgraded with provision of waterside facilities and visitor berths.

Marine & General would be encouraged to relocate their business from existing leased premises to alternative States-owned land at Griffiths Yard. The vacated granite buildings would form the basis of a new heritage museum setting out the commercial history of the harbour and the north of the island – a visitor centre explaining the importance of quarrying, our fishing industry and the Guernsey 'Tom'.

The old corrugated tin buildings would be demolished and a restaurant and play park set out enjoying a sunny, south-facing aspect over the inner marina. It could also become the setting for a 'farmers' market on Saturday mornings and become a real centrepiece to the surrounding shops.

A wide broad-walk for pedestrians and bikers would lead all the way round the North Side to link to a new public park to be laid out in the surroundings of the Vale Castle. This is, itself, a sadly under-utilised resource that only comes to life once or twice a year. It could so easily become another 'must see' item on any tourist agenda. Meanwhile, the broad-walk continues to follow the coast to terminate at Bordeaux Harbour and a revamped café-restaurant looking out to Herm.

But then again, for those of us who love The Bridge, perhaps we should just keep it as our secret?

RICHARD FOX,

Address withheld.