The States and the Channel Islands Coop have agreed a deal that will ensure the long awaited development of Leale’s Yard can be progressed.
The States will buy the majority of the site for £4.5m with an aim of starting demolition work within 12 months. As an immediate priority, the States will focus on infrastructure improvement in the area – including new roads further developing the infrastructure upgrades already submitted for The Saltpans site.
Conditions of sale have been signed and both parties expect the conveyance to be finalised in court on 14th August 2025.
The Coop will retain a small section of the site to develop for housing and has committed to beginning this work within 18 months.
Plans for mixed used (commercial and housing) development on Leale’s Yard will remain as established in the development framework for the site. However, the overall layout and design may change from the outline planning permission already in place.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This is a great way to begin the new term, and full credit must go to the former Policy & Resources Committee, the staff at States Property Unit and our new partners, the Coop, for seizing the opportunity and agreeing a deal that works for everyone. We’ve long recognised Leale’s Yard as strategically important for the regeneration of the Bridge, the delivery of critical infrastructure and much-needed additional housing. The new P&R Committee is fully supportive of the decisions taken to date and is keen to prioritise its progress this political term.
“The first priority is to improve the transport network in the area, both around and through the site, as that’s crucial for its long-term success in addressing the traffic impact. We are very keen to deliver the best mix of housing that the island needs, alongside other aspects that will support the regeneration of the Bridge, and won’t waste any time in moving this forward.”
Mark Cox (pictured), CEO of the Channel Islands Coop said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the States of Guernsey for them to purchase the substantial part of the Leale’s Yard site. This agreement will enable the Co-op to focus on our core business, free of the distractions that a complex property development like Leale’s Yard entails. The agreement will also see the States free to progress the delivery of much-needed new homes and employment opportunities for the island of Guernsey.
“We will now focus on re-investing in our Guernsey stores and ensuring we continue to deliver value for our members every day. Our thanks to the Policy & Resources Committee and the States Property Unit for their swift and decisive actions in proposing this agreement.”
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Policy & Resources Committee Member, said: “The last Assembly gave a clear steer that the development of Leale’s Yard was a priority given the island’s current housing challenges. When the opportunity to purchase the site was presented to the former Policy & Resources Committee, of which I was a Member, we had no hesitation in pursuing it. I think this deal represents good value for money for the taxpayer and importantly unlocks the site for development after many years of unsuccessful attempts to progress it.”
A spokesperson from the Guernsey Retail Group added: “The Guernsey Retail Group is naturally delighted that meaningful progress is underway with the States’ purchase of the Leale’s Yard site.
“In our recent election Manifesto, we highlighted the detrimental impact of stalled progress on the Bridge – an area with significant potential for retail, residential, and community development.
“The GRG is keen to support the relevant teams as plans take shape. We are committed to helping ensure that this area is developed to its full potential – serving the needs of the local community and the Island more broadly across retail, hospitality, services, and housing.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate P&R for the committee’s swift action, acknowledging the challenges ahead whilst remaining optimistic about the opportunities for collaboration.
“In particular, we will be working with government to produce a retail strategy for the island that meets the needs and expectations of islanders and visitors.”
