Work is ongoing to find a long-term solution to residents’ concerns around traffic and access to the new Victoria Park Stadium which hosts its first Guernsey FC match this weekend.
A number of other events have been arranged around the visit of Westfield for GFC’s first home game at the new ground.
There could be thousands of spectators involved in the grand opening with Victoria Avenue closed to public traffic, except Blue Badge holders, from 11:00.
The Lieutenant Governor will be officially opening the gates of Victoria Park Stadium at 12:15, with live music from the School of Popular Music entertaining the crowds as they arrive, before the games kicks off at 14:00.
An Aztec Year 5 match will showcase youth skills during half time, with some post-match music from SOPM.
Residents who live along Victoria Avenue had expressed their concerns prior to this weekend’s opening game about the access arrangements, with one telling Express that they were “very interested to see what impact all the fuss” will have.
The resident said there had been some negative experiences for Victoria Avenue residents when some of the Island Games football matches were held at the Belgrave Wanderers pitch, adjacent to the new Victoria Park, in 2023.
They said it was difficult to walk along the road due to the numbers of vehicles entering and exiting the road.
Some of the concerns raised have already been addressed by the Guernsey Football Association and GFC, while they’ve said they are working with the States to “identify long and short-term solutions” to make life easier for everyone living in the area and attending games.
“We are working closely with the States to identify long and short-term solutions that will facilitate access to the stadium during match days – and we’ll keep you posted,” said a spokesperson.
To reduce congestion “and maximise public safety” the road will only be accessible by those who live along it, or those with Blue Badges, between 11:00 and 16:30 on Saturday 29 March.
Spectators are asked to catch the bus, walk, or cycle to the ground, while those driving should park elsewhere and walk the rest of the way, they’re told.
More than 100 bike spaces have been created at Victoria Park, with further bike parking along with car parking at Salarie Corner, which is estimated to be a 25minute walk away.
The number 11, 12, 13, 21, 91, and 92 buses all serve Les Banques at different times, and from either town or the north of the island.
