Plans for multi-storey bridge unveiled

The plans for a new eight-storey block of 12 flats, which could be built behind Guernsey's iconic Bridge, have been unveiled and are now available for public viewing online at gov.gg.

The proposed site for the residential block lies within and on the periphery of the Bridge Conservation Area, approximately 40 metres behind the principal frontage of the Bridge. The development, designed by 'Island Land', would replace a building behind the Bridge, near one of the entrances to Leales' Yard.

The proposed block would exceed the current height of the office block that was previously occupied by Citizens Advice Guernsey, which moved out at the end of last year and reopened its offices at the Grow Hub in January. The empty building is now proposed to be used for the delivery of much-needed housing.

The area around the proposed block contains a mix of taller structures that reflect its industrial and maritime heritage, including the twin chimneys and fuel tanks of the nearby power station, church spires, the Weighbridge tower, warehouse gables, other tall chimneys and water towers from the stone crushing era, the Mont Crevelt loophole tower and Vale Castle, and harbor cranes and other port-related infrastructure.

The new high-rise block of flats would be visible behind several businesses such as the Bridge Motor Shop, Black Sabre wine merchants, the RNLI charity shop, the Roll Bar, and Harbour View Chinese takeaway. The developers claim that the proposed building would contribute to the diverse and distinctive roofscape in a manner that is contextually justified and visually coherent.

The plans for the proposed block are now with the Development and Planning Authority for consideration. A public consultation on the proposals will open on Friday. It is worth noting that there is no information available in the search results about the developers of the proposed eight-story residential building with twelve apartments behind the bridge.

The current footprint of the existing property is suggested to be maintained in the proposed design. The 250m² plot would offer 12 apartments just 40 metres behind the iconic Bridge parade of shops. As the plans progress, updates will be provided to keep the public informed.