Future Bridge shoppers could benefit from the States buying Leale’s Yard with the Guernsey Retail Group saying it is “committed to helping ensure that this area is developed to its full potential”.

It was announced earlier this week that the States are buying the bulk of the Leale’s Yard site from the Channel Islands Coop.

The Guernsey Retail Group has praised the deal, and the progress made between the two parties involved.

The £4.5 million sale of the majority of the Leale’s Yard site is due to go through court in August.

A portion of the land has been retained by the Coop which says it will retain part of the sire for its own development plans. 

The Co-operative has committed to begin its own building works within 18 months, but it’s not yet been stated what time frame the States plan to progress on.

In an update from Deputies Steve Williams and Adrian Gabriel, the Housing and E&I presidents respectively, both welcomed the purchase. The pair acknowledged that much work is still to go ahead before housing is established on the St Sampsons site.

When the sale to the States was announced, the GRG was quick to respond with its own analysis of the purchase, calling it “meaningful progress”, and highlighting its own election manifesto wishes that could now be fulfilled. 

“The Guernsey Retail Group is naturally delighted that meaningful progress is underway with the States’ purchase of the Leale’s Yard site.

“In our recent election manifesto, we highlighted the detrimental impact of stalled progress on the Bridge – an area with significant potential for retail, residential, and community development.

The spokesperson continued: “The GRG is keen to support the relevant teams as plans take shape. We are committed to helping ensure that this area is developed to its full potential – serving the needs of the local community and the island more broadly across retail, hospitality, services, and housing. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate P&R for the committee’s swift action, acknowledging the challenges ahead whilst remaining optimistic about the opportunities for collaboration.”

The GRG statement concluded with a pledge to work with the States, to help the industry on island.

“In particular, we will be working with government to produce a retail strategy for the island that meets the needs and expectations of islanders and visitors.”