Al fresco dining will be returning to St Peter Port and will remain throughout the summer months.
Guernsey’s States has announced the move to support the hospitality sector following a difficult time for Guernsey’s businesses. As part of this, a joint initiative between Government and local businesses, it is proposed that additional al-fresco dining will be introduced on a trial basis along The Quay between June and October 2021.
Having listened to businesses, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure is keen to explore how areas of the St Peter Port seafront can enhance use of the public realm and support the local economy. It views this initiative as a valuable opportunity to make the best use of this area during the summer months.
If approved, the trial will provide a useful insight into the demand for additional al-fresco dining more generally which will help inform future considerations around the mix of use of the public realm.
The proposed trial will see the western footpath between the Crown Pier crossing and Mora Restaurant used for al-fresco dining, with a new walkway provided along part of the unloading bay, ensuring that there will be no impact on traffic flow in the area.
These changes have been done in consultation with the businesses in the area and surveys have also been undertaken to assess the potential impact on existing users of the unloading bays in the area. The evidence indicates that there are adequate facilities in the area for those businesses needing to use unloading facilities for legitimate purposes.
To demarcate the temporary walkway and to act as a safety barrier for people on foot, planters would be used at intermediate positions along the edge of the northbound carriageway, with small fillets of tarmac installed between the pavement and the temporary walkway to make it easier for people to navigate, especially those pushing buggies or people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The cost of installing, filling and maintaining the planters would be met by the businesses involved in the trial.
As a joint statement, the owners of Gusto, Pingquay, Balthazar and Mora said: “All the businesses involved in the project are excited about the prospect of the enhancement of the Quay. For a long time locals and visitors alike have asked for more al-fresco opportunities. Together with the States of Guernsey we believe this proposal starts to deliver an enhanced seafront experience.”
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: “The popularity of al-fresco dining along The Quay on Seafront Sundays has highlighted to the Committee the potential to better use of one of Guernsey’s most valuable assets, the Town seafront. Working with the businesses in the area, we hope that this initiative will give the public even more reason to use and enjoy The Quay.”
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said: “The revitalisation of Town is one of the key aims of the Committee for Economic Development and this proposal for al-fresco dining fully aligns with this aim, whilst also providing valuable additional trading opportunities during what has been an extremely difficult time for many businesses.”
A representative from the Chamber of Commerce said: “Guernsey Chamber’s membership has expressed a desire for opportunities around al fresco activity and dining in Town and elsewhere. As the island’s largest business organization, we are mindful of any impact from traffic deviation or restriction on the retail sector and beyond so welcome this trial in a format which can operate without disruption to general vehicle or pedestrian flow.
“The hospitality sector is set to become ever more important as part of the larger picture around healthy activity and support for Retail and our Town. Identifying opportunities such as this which will add to the “feel” of the area is a welcome step in adding to the “experience” aspect of a thriving Town. We have previously called for a simplified and less costly version of permissions needed to operate al fresco. Chamber will continue to devise and support initiatives which help all sectors of the economy to recover and do well in today’s challenging business environment. The organisation is also keen to see more residential units in Town.”
