Need for inert waste site provides an opportunity
THE island needs a new site for inert waste as Longue Hougue will be full in around six years' time. Here is an opportunity to consider the project in a multi-dimensional sense. The States have set out that they are looking for a new site to dump inert waste such as hardcore, etc., based on projections over a given period of time. However, the by-product of this process is that it re-shapes the waterfront and provides opportunity for other activity – but that is not currently part of the strategy.
Longue Hougue was planned as an inert waste site, but what is the end game for all the new space that will have been created? It was designed with an outer breakwater which provides an enclosed area of water which is steadily diminishing. This could have been considered (still could be if the inert material was deposited elsewhere) as a site for a marine service centre with dry dock and berthing facilities for super yachts/mega yachts.
Tourists coming by sea are always important, whether from a cruise ship or from a private boat, it's just some aren't so obvious. In the last few years, we have seen huge growth in the cruise ships visiting the island.
These ships make their presence very well known by their size as they sit moored in the Little Russel, some even being so large they block the mobile signals to Herm (now fixed, I understand). Then, so everyone is aware, we have announcements on the radio to say such and such ship has arrived in port. The cruise tourists are then welcomed ashore with their own traffic marshals to guide them. Nothing wrong with any of that. However, the yachting sector, in particular superyachts, is a market that is worth many billions but has a much lower profile and has so far been ignored. These billionaire yacht owners are discreet and have no need to promote themselves, rather the opposite. In addition, the select crews are of the highest standard. It's a hugely important market that has some overlap with the finance sector. We have some of the top super and mega yacht builders in the world located close by – i.e. Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall and several top builders in Holland. We are in a great location by the English Channel and there is a boatbuilding and engineering skills base as well as being a low tax jurisdiction.
One could combine an inert waste project with a breakwater design to incorporate an international marine service centre. An all states of tide, fully protected facility with service facilities for mega yachts, a hanger and a dry stack for local boats, etc. would make it unique in the islands. It could create momentum for new industry. The States wouldn't have to provide any funds, only to provide the waterfront land and partner with a developer by inviting expressions of interest.
The yachting sector is one example of what could be done with a multi-purpose reclamation site and serves to illustrate the need for us to look at necessity and opportunity in a joint dimension. It could serve as a new source of inward industry investment. It could also be a site for renewable industry projects.
When it comes to the island's physical development, there could be a more progressive approach so instead of reactionary thinking, there is more visionary thinking. After all, rigorous planning guidelines will likely throw out any schemes which don't meet the criteria. In time the inert waste site might become a welcome coastal feature with a business enterprise zone, but it should be planned now or another opportunity will become lost.
SEAN FULLER,
St Martin's,
G.Y4 6DR
