The Guernsey Development Agency (GDA) has navigated a pathway forward to deliver tangible improvements for St Sampsons and this plan has now been endorsed by its Political Oversight Group.
The GDA submitted its proposal of enhancement works for St Sampsons to the States of Guernsey earlier this year, which considered housing, transport, harbours, flood defence and infrastructure issues in a single, coordinated programme. The projects, developed in line with States of Guernsey polices, included enhancements which are achievable in the short term as well as longer-term projects that will await strategic decisions from the States of Deliberation including the future approach to our harbours, the island’s fuel importation strategy and the electricity interconnector. These will also await progress within ongoing work such as coastal flood defences and inert waste.
The GDA has now received endorsement to progress with preparing plans for the short-term projects from the members of the Political Oversight Group for the GDA’s work. The members of the Group (the Presidents of the Policy & Resources Committee, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and the Committee for Economic Development) agreed that these short-term projects can now be progressed to deliver benefits for the community and economy.
These include:
- A network of scenic walking and cycling routes around St Sampsons harbour
- A new sheltered bus station to improve public transport
- Improvements to the Bridge retail area, creating an attractive pedestrian-friendly waterfront destination with opportunities for enhanced hospitality and retail opportunities.
- A new family-focused community area featuring a children’s play area and café.
- Improvements to Vale Castle facilities, including accessibility upgrades and infrastructure to support community events and tourism whilst maintaining and preserving its unique heritage.
- The creation of a Marine Centre, moving marine maintenance businesses and boat storage facilities to coordinate land use
- Creating a more flexible community space at La Crocq and Abraham’s Bosom piers while preserving their important maritime heritage and landmarks.
The Bridge and the surrounding area deserve to be somewhere our community and visitors come to, not just drive through. It deserves the same high-quality public amenities, modern infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces enjoyed by St Peter Port.
Simon Kildalh, Non-Executive Director of the GDA
Simon Kildalh, Non-Executive Director of the GDA said “The Bridge and the surrounding area deserve to be somewhere our community and visitors come to, not just drive through. It deserves the same high-quality public amenities, modern infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces enjoyed by St Peter Port.”
He added, “There is a significant opportunity to make real positive improvements here and we hope that these new enhancements will be enjoyed by local residents and those that choose to visit the area including tourists.”
The GDA will now begin to engage with landowners and the relevant authorities to develop plans and cost estimates for the enhancements which will be shared for consultation with the wider community, local experts, businesses and residents in due course. The GDA has been tasked with the preparation of a Business & Funding Plan, setting out the funding requirements and approach to delivery of these projects. This will require approval from the States of Deliberation before construction of these developments can commence.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said:
“The States has agreed that one of its super priorities this political term is to determine and design future harbours infrastructure, and the GDA’s role is key. This more focused approach they are taking is a very practical way of bringing forward improvements that will help to revitalise the area around St. Sampson’s Harbour and the Bridge. With the redevelopment of Leale’s Yard progressing as well, there will be a lot going on in this important part of the island over the next few years.”
These are the next steps in a long-term development programme for St Sampson. The GDA knows there is huge benefit in aligning the related workstreams in the future but we are very pleased to be able to progress these projects in the short term to deliver real tangible benefit to the community.
We look forward to sharing more details on these projects as we progress plans alongside our St Sampsons and Vale neighbours over the coming months.
Read more about these enhancements