Ports of Jersey has been given the green light to remove the disused landing stage at the end of Gorey Pier – amid continued calls for a “long-term” vision for the area to be formalised.
The recently-approved planning application will see the removal of the upper deck and support pillars, as well as the installation of temporary support bracing from the lower deck to the original pier structure.
The landing stage has been closed completely since 2023, after “significant” structural deterioration was identified in the wake of safety concerns raised by Royal Engineers.
Its removal represents the first phase of a wider stabilisation strategy designed to protect the pier’s long-term stability and heritage.
It would be desirable for a firm programme for the long-term preservation of the pier to be agreed as part of this application to avoid a situation where the proposed temporary shores become permanent
St Martin’s Conservation Trust
In an update announcing the planning application’s approval, Ports also said that a “competitive tender” to choose a local contractor for the demolition works had been completed.
“We’re pleased to confirm that Jersey Demolition Contractors has been appointed to carry out the project,” it continued.
“To ensure the safety of the public, the pier head, where the landing stage connects to the main pier, will be closed throughout the demolition period. Any further impacts on access or operations will be communicated directly to users in advance.”
The work is expected to start next month, with a view to being completed before the summer holidays.
Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, said: “This is an important first step in a wider programme to protect Gorey Pier’s long-term structural integrity and preserve its heritage for the future.”
Jersey Demolition Contractors director of operations Doc Snook said the company was “proud to be appointed as Ports of Jersey’s partner to deliver this demolition project”.
“We look forward to delivering these technical civils and demolition works for the Gorey Harbour and key stakeholders.”
Towards the end of last year, the Gorey Boat Owners Association raised concerns that the demolition “is not accompanied by any vision of what the future will hold” for the area.
At the time, Captain Sadler stressed that the unsafe landing stage was a “critical issue” and that the initial focus was on “making sure the pier is safe and secure”, but he explained that “the vision for Gorey” would be looked at during later phases of work.
In a public comment on the planning application, the St Martin’s Conservation Trust contended that: “Given the historic importance of the pier and the traditional appearance of the harbour, it would be desirable for a firm programme for the long-term preservation of the pier to be agreed as part of this application to avoid a situation where the proposed temporary shores become permanent.”