24 Sep Pedestrianised retail centre plans for the Bridge
The Guernsey Development Agency has published its ‘enhancement’ plans for the Bridge, which could benefit existing and new retailers in the area.
The plans include creating pedestrian and cycling paths from northside to southside, children’s play areas, and a sheltered bus station.
Some parts of the plans focus specifically on the retail sector which is currently the focal point of the Bridge.
Proposed “improvements to the Bridge retail area”
The GDA says “traffic congestion at the Bridge retail area takes away from what could be a thriving pedestrianised waterfront destination that supports existing and new retail and hospitality businesses”.
It proposes “reviewing how traffic can flow around this prime area” saying that “will help unlock its potential”.
Much of the GDA’s plans are based on feedback from the public.
“Answering calls from the public, we want to significantly improve the pedestrian and retail experience within Guernsey’s northern retail area to offer quality bars, restaurants, and cafes and range of retail, and pedestrianisation to better utilise the waterside location.”
Parking, cycling, and buses
The GDA’s plans for the Bridge area include details around parking, which is vitally important to retail businesses.
It warns that “a lot of St Sampson’s scenic waterfront is taken up with parked cars which block the view and opportunity” and it suggests that “rearranging some of this car parking would allow the coastal cycling and walking promenade, waterside dining and community hubs we have had endorsed”.
An EV hub with electric vehicle charging points, bike racks, e-bike charging, and an app-based bike rental facility also feature in the GDA’s proposals.
Cycling and pedestrian paths linking St Sampson’s and St Peter Port would “reduce traffic congestion and encourage islanders and visitors to come and enjoy the newly enhanced area”, suggests the GDA.
A new “covered bus station” is also suggested, to “serve as a central travel hub to improve the public transport experience”.
More details
The GDA plans are detailed on its website, HERE.
The next stage of the GDAs work will involve engaging with stakeholders, landowners, and relevant authorities before more detailed plans and costings for each project are written into a ‘Business and Funding Plan’.
That plan will then go before the States with a funding request.
Full designs will be created in consultation with “neighbours, local experts and the wider community”, and the GRG expects to be involved in those talks.
Have your say
You can have your say on the plans HERE.
Contact the GRG via hello@guernseyretailgroup.gg if you’d like to discuss the plans with us.