Plans for the long-awaited Leale’s Yard development have encountered a setback.
Guernsey’s Policy and Resources President told the States yesterday that supplier issues mean the planned modular construction methods for the site are no longer a viable solution.
Deputy Lyndon Trott yesterday revealed that the prime location behind the Bridge – earmarked for hundreds of homes – won’t be built on for another two years, at least.
“Over recent months, we have continued to focus on housing supply and affordability. I advised in my September 2024 update that we intended to bring forward proposals to the states regarding Leale’s yard. While it remains the case that the committee is keen to see Leale’s developed, and indeed, we have expended significant time and resource in pursuing that aim, this has now become more difficult.
“It is likely that the proposed use of volumetric modular units, a form of off site construction of each building is put together by connecting a series of fairly large pre-built sections or modules, cannot now happen.
“The issue was the effective withdrawal from the market of the proposed manufacturer. This has had an impact on the schemes delivery timescales as alternative construction methods now need to be assessed.”
Deputy Trott said that with the Leale’s Yard plans stalling yet again, another site could potentially take centre space in the spotlight for now.
“So while we’ve not given up in our ambition to see the Leale’s yard site developed, we also need to turn our attention towards other development sites that may now be able to deliver housing more quickly and potentially offer better value for money,” he said.
The first to respond to Deputy Trott’s update on the work being done to combat the housing crisis was Deputy Adrian Gabriel, who asked a simple question, but one difficult to answer due to commercial sensitivity.
“I heard in Deputy Trotts opening statement, about some disappointing news about Leale’s Yard, and firstly, that modular construction, of the type already planned, is not available due to lack of suppliers.
“So I would ask, what is next? What is the timeline for getting our number one priority, housing, sorted for Guernsey?”
In answering, Deputy Trott brought other potential development options into the debate.
“It’s an entirely justified question, but it is enveloped in an element of commercial confidentiality. So I shall answer as extensively as I think I’m able.
“There have been some robust discussions with the developer, and within the last few hours, rather than the last few days, we have received a positive update that gives us a cause for hope that we may be able to arrive at, or close to, a negotiated price which will enable this project to proceed.
“It’s hot off the press, but I think it’s far more encouraging than I would have been able to have written or responded to just a few days earlier.”
Deputy Neil Inder raised the prospect of other potential sites – specifically Griffiths Yard on Northside of the Bridge, which P&R has previously described as “prime seafront estate”.
“I would like to ask him whether he agreed with me that the Guernsey Development Agency has produced an interesting and viable scheme for Griffith’s yard, who he may remember, is almost the same size, I believe, as Leale’s Yard. Maybe he can’t talk? He can’t give aside too much information, but I wondered whether part of this search for other sites, would he consider engaging with the GDA (Guernsey Development Agency), looking at Griffith yard and working with the DPA(Development and Planning Authority) to get that site out of the ground.”
Deputy Trott stated that work is being done by Environment and Infrastructure on this particular site with a view to development there.
“A lot of preparatory work is necessary for Griffith yard in particular to become a housing site,” he explained. “But I understand that that planning is in an advanced state, and I’m also aware that the relevant committee is thoroughly and absolutely engaged with the organisation to ensure progress.”
