Visionary Enhancements Proposed for the Bridge Area

The Guernsey Development Agency has embarked on a mission to drive the comprehensive development along Guernsey's east coast, concentrating initially on the Bridge area.

After public and stakeholder engagement revealed strong support for enhancement, the GDA has crafted a strategic vision aimed at transforming the Bridge into a lively and energetic second main centre of the island.

The GDA's strategic vision places a significant emphasis on augmenting the marine economy, establishing a contemporary public realm along the waterfront to support both commercial and recreational activities, enabling residential growth in close proximity, and boosting transport choice and connectivity.

One of the standout proposals is the creation of a marine centre at Longue Hougue, intended to supply the marine industry with modern facilities while freeing up land along the waterfront.

Additionally, the vision foresees the development of gated breakwaters to provide flood defence, support for the island’s construction industry through the relocation of commercial shipping activities, and a significant expansion of the marina offering.

The realisation of this vision hinges on political endorsement and securing adequate funding. The GDA requires an allocation of £1,600,000, as included in the 2025 Budget proposal, to facilitate detailed developmental analyses. This funding is needed for evidence-based planning and attracting external investment.

The strategic plan outlines a phased approach to deliver residential infrastructure, specifically targeted at providing affordable rental accommodation to attract workforce talent and support the island’s economy.

This is complemented by proposals to enhance transport infrastructure through parking reorganisation, the development of multi-storey parking facilities on underutilised sites, and the creation of a mobility hub to streamline transport within the Bridge and the wider island.

The culmination of the GDA's planning phase involves the approval of three key outputs by the States of Deliberation: the Key Infrastructure Delivery Programme (KIDP), the Business & Funding Plan (B&FP), and the Land Transfer Portfolio.

These documents will collectively provide a comprehensive overview of proposed developments, the necessary funding, and land requirements. Only with political approval can the GDA proceed to its delivery phase, focusing on the physical realisation of the Bridge area's transformation.

Deputy Murray, Chair of the GDA Political Oversight Group, praised the agency's efforts in crafting a vision that honours the area's unique culture while aiming for comprehensive benefits.

"The GDA has worked remarkably hard to date in order to understand the opportunities at the Bridge and create a vision for the area which seeks to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits for the wider area," said Deputy Murray.

Peter Watson, Chair of the Guernsey Development Agency, highlighted the community's support for the project, noting the importance of a well-engaged public mandate in steering the vision.

"The GDA’s vision for the Bridge is driven by a strong public mandate and reflects the significant potential for transformation along Guernsey’s east coast."