The Guernsey Development Agency has pledged to share more details about its plans for the Bridge and surrounding area this year – as its work continues to prepare for a 20-year project overhauling that part of the island.
With plans including land reclamation at Black Rock, the relocation of businesses away from the marina, the installation of flood defences at the harbour mouth, and the relocation of all commercial boats, there has been some opposition to the GDA’s work.
Deputy Lee van Katwyk has said he has “serious concerns” about the risk of contamination when land is reclaimed at Black Rock – with the GDA already trying to “dispel inaccuracies” around the planned work.
GDA Chair Peter Watson said the land reclamation would not use contaminated material, and that the overall project will provide “much-needed land for housing and community and green spaces”.
It would also remove the need for stockpiling inert waste at Longue Hougue, he said, and “would also significantly reduce the cost of flood defences” around the Bridge.
The GDA is planning to share more about its work throughout 2026, said Mr Watson, in a bid to be “open and transparent”.
This approach started with giving the Lieutenant Governor a tour of the site.
Mr Watson and GDA Board Member Simon Kildahl on a walk from Mont Crevelt, along the Southside and across the Bridge to Vale Castle.
The GDA’s lead on the programme, Chartered Mechanical Engineer Louis Le Poidevin, explained the planned development of the site – which could take two decades.
His Excellency was also offered a site visit of the land reclamation site at Black Rock, which was approved by the States in 2025.
When progressed, this will see the rocks to the north of the mouth of St Sampson’s Harbour used as the foundation for land reclamation, using the island’s growing mound of inert waste currently stockpiled at Longue Hougue.
The reclamation site will be primarily used for housing and integrated with the Bridge via green walkways and cycle paths.
It would also incorporate green spaces and leisure facilities such as a slipway and bathing pools.
“This is an exciting project that has the regeneration of the Bridge at its heart,” said Sir Richard Cripwell. “You can’t help but be excited at the scale of its vision.”
Mr Watson said “it was a pleasure to outline our plans to His Excellency”.
“This is a bold and ambitious project which, if delivered, would completely regenerate the Bridge.
“We are committed to open and transparent communication about our work, and we look forward to sharing more about our vision with the public in 2026.”