States spend £2.12m. on buying property next to Leale's Yard to allow new transport infrastructure
- The Policy & Resources Committee has purchased property next to Leale's Yard for £2.12 million to allow new road infrastructure
- The acquisition includes a plot of land, part of a garden, two houses and Atec Engineering's workshop
- A previous planning application for a road through the Saltpans site will be withdrawn in favour of more comprehensive plans
- Demolition of existing structures at Leale's Yard is now underway as part of wider regeneration plans for the Braye du Valle area
- Ridge and Partners has been appointed to develop a masterplan for the area, working alongside local firm CCD Architects
The Policy & Resources Committee has completed the purchase of property adjacent to Leale's Yard for £2.12 million, paving the way for new road infrastructure linking Route Militaire to the Bridge.
The acquisition, which comprises a plot of land, part of a garden, two houses and Atec Engineering's workshop, will enable the development of more comprehensive transport plans for the Braye du Valle area, subject to planning permission.
The new infrastructure is intended to support proposed development, including new homes, and broader economic regeneration across the Braye du Valle area, whilst addressing traffic concerns and improving utility provision and access.
An outline planning application submitted during the previous political term for transport and utilities infrastructure connecting Route Militaire through the Saltpans site, owned by the Guernsey Housing Association, will now be withdrawn. Instead, new plans, including transport infrastructure linking to the Bridge, will be developed as part of a master planning process.
The States are working with Atec Engineering as it seeks suitable alternative premises. In the interim, it has been agreed that Atec will continue to operate from its current premises whilst arrangements for its relocation are progressed.
The envisaged transport improvements form part of a wider programme of enabling works underway to support development throughout the Braye du Valle area. Demolition of existing structures at Leale's Yard is now underway.
This work is taking place alongside ongoing master planning for the wider Braye du Valle area, which is intended to bring together the various pieces of land and proposed infrastructure into one community.
The masterplan aims to create a vibrant and attractive place where people want to live and work, supported by improved connections, enhanced public spaces and sustainable development.
Following a competitive tender process, Ridge and Partners, a UK-based company with expertise in this field, has been appointed to develop the masterplan. The firm will work alongside Guernsey-based CCD Architects, which will provide local knowledge and experience, as well as architectural, urban design and heritage expertise.
Deputy Yvonne Burford, Vice-President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: "When the States bought Leale's Yard last year, we said one of our objectives was to improve the transport network in the area, both around and through the site. This is crucial for its long-term success in addressing the traffic impact of the much-needed development of the area and I want to say thank you to all the landowners that we've engaged throughout this process.
"Whereas plans were previously submitted for a road through the Saltpans site, these land purchases give us the opportunity to improve the road network, providing a more comprehensive solution.
"Leale's Yard has long been recognised as a strategically important site for the regeneration of the Bridge, the delivery of critical infrastructure and essential housing. Progressing this work is a super priority for the States this political term and we're pressing on with it."
Adrian Marsh, Atec Engineering, said: "The regeneration of Leale's Yard and its surrounding area has been decades in the making and we hope that the commitment made by the States to finally make it a reality will bring meaningful, tangible and lasting benefit to the area.
"We're grateful to the States for working with us to understand our needs and enable us to stay in our current premises for the immediate future while work with them to locate new premises for our business, which will very much continue to operate."
Q&A
Q: How much did the States pay for the property?
A: The sites were purchased for a combined value of £2.12 million.
Q: What happens to Atec Engineering?
A: Atec Engineering will continue to operate from its current premises for the time being whilst the States work with the company to locate suitable alternative premises.
Q: Who has been appointed to develop the masterplan?
A: Ridge and Partners, a UK-based company, has been appointed following a competitive tender process. They will work alongside Guernsey-based CCD Architects.
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