In St Sampsons, the agency has been assigned the area of coast between Longue Hougue and Vale Castle. The GDA will initially concentrate on the Bridge area, where it believes there are significant social, economic and environmental gains that can be realised.
The vision for St Sampsons
To demonstrate the potential extent of the regeneration and investment opportunities, the GDA has prepared a strategic vision for the Bridge, setting out aspirations for the area in the medium-to-long term and identifying a number of development which would support delivery of this vision.
Following a policy letter submitted to The States of Deliberation in December 2024, the assembly discussed this vision and was endorsed with significant support from members.
The vision is to maximise the Bridge as the second main centre of the Island by creating a vibrant and energetic locale which encourages people to live, work and play in the area. It puts the Bridge’s industrial and maritime character at the heart of its proposals for enhancement in order to create spaces which connect people to the waterfront and to the heritage of the area, and, most importantly, creates spaces where people want to spend their time.
The Development Agency is seeking to create places where people wish to live, work and play by enhancing the St Sampsons harbour. The projects have been designed to provide entertainment, modern workplaces, fit for purpose housing, leisure activities, opportunities for new and existing industries, green space and scope for waterside al fresco dining. Alongside this, plans also include adequate parking and suitable transport links for both people and goods.
Developments will be required to be sympathetic to the environment, the scenic views, eliminate hazards to health, provide for sustainability at the forefront of its design and pay homage to the heritage of the island.
The Bridge should not seek to compete with Town as the core commercial hub of the Island. Instead, there is significant opportunity for the Bridge to realise its potential as the second main centre on the Island through the provision of infrastructure which delivers the following outcomes:
- Supports and maximises the value of the marine economy.
- Creates a lively and modern public realm along the waterfront which supports commercial and recreational activities.
- Enables the increase of the resident population in the immediate vicinity.
- Provides transport choice and connectivity which effectively supports the resident and visiting population of the area
A vision for the Bridge: The GDA has been working with stakeholders to now conduct detailed modelling and designs to assess costs, benefits and the feasibility of each project.
