The States is investigating what work needs to be done to sure up flood defenses around The Bridge, St Sampsons, prior to any major development works in the area.
Environment & Infrastructure (E&I) is looking for a contractor to perform various site investigations.
This will involve surveying the ground conditions, existing drainage, and the layout of the road surface at The Bridge – all details needed before it can begin the “concept design,” let alone start building anything.
The primary driver is enabling development at sites like Leale’s Yard, following its purchase by the States last year.
According to E&I it needs to mitigate flood risks to make the “master plan” for the Braye du Valle area viable.
While the committee describes the current risk of overtopping at the seafront as “small,” it states that climate change analysis and forecast sea-level rises make the potential impact significant enough to require action.
So these works are intended to protect existing businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity – not just new builds.
The committee claims the final look and exact location of the barriers are not yet confirmed, but it has noted two major constraints that will influence the design – its cost and access.
The committee stated that any design must be functional and affordable, with E&I saying it was “conscious” of the need to maintain parking and access for customers visiting local businesses, as well as the overall visual impact on the area.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of E&I, stated that this flood defence is a “crucial step” and a “super priority” of the Government Work Plan.
He added: “With the States having purchased the majority of the Leale’s Yard site last year and continuing to work towards demolition of the site and master planning for the wider Braye du Valle area, this has further emphasised the importance of providing effective protection from flooding both now and into the immediate future.”
Deputy Gabriel continued: “Creating a flood defence doesn’t happen overnight, requiring careful planning, including the need for these site investigations.
“However, it’s important to see this work move to the next stage as an enabler for housing, business and the wider economy.”