Friday 02 December 2022
Islanders have another chance to find out more about investigations into a potential new marina in St Peter Port at public drop-in sessions this Friday (2 December) and Saturday (3 December).
Last month Guernsey Ports outlined the findings of initial studies looking at the potential development of a new, all tide access marina within the current harbour. It follows a decision in the States last year to investigate such a scheme, and the States' Trading Supervisory Board is due to report back with its recommendations next year.
As well as providing additional moorings, to help address the current waiting list for local boatowners, a new marina would improve the current facilities provided for visitors. It would also enable the harbour to be reconfigured, to improve operations for both leisure and commercial users.
A detailed financial evaluation is still being carried out, but Guernsey Ports said it anticipates the investment would be recouped over time. That would be through a combination of additional mooring fees from the new marina, which would be a premium facility, and the wider economic benefits to the community.
Those include the boost to the visitor economy, through a significantly improved leisure marine offering, and new opportunities for the local services sector. There is also the potential that high net worth individuals could be attracted to relocate to Guernsey, who might currently be put off by the lack of facilities for boating.
Members of the project team will be available at the drop-in, which will take place in the Harbour Terminal. It will run today (Friday 2 December) from noon until 5pm and tomorrow (Saturday 3 December) between 10am and 2pm.
Islanders are currently being asked for their views on the potential use of the existing water space within St Peter Port Harbour for a new marina. Feedback can be given at the drop-in, or by going to www.gov.gg/poolmarina for other options.
The consultation concerns the water space within the harbour, not landside arrangements. The use of the adjacent areas, including the piers, North Beach and Castle Emplacement will be the subject of a separate public consultation, to help develop a detailed Local Planning Brief for the area from La Vallette to Salerie Corner. That is expected to begin next year.
