Guernsey Town shops could be heading north

by GD Mon 30 Nov 2009, 4:56 pm

Mr Twigg said shoppers may be better served by moving shops north

Shops in the south of St Peter Port should close and new ones should be opened on North Beach and the piers, a public consultation has found.
It is one of the conclusions of a continuing public consultation on the future shape of town published earlier.
Respondents to the Guernsey Tomorrow initiative say the town centre is losing its unique identity and the markets have "lost their soul".
It recommends streets including Fountain Street become residential.
'Quality of life'
David Twigg, from Guernsey Tomorrow, said: "One of the feelings coming out was that perhaps areas like the south of town have had their day in terms of shopping environments, but they have potential to accommodate what is seen as much needed housing within the centre of town.
"While modern-day shopping requirements can perhaps be better met by migrating northwards and using areas like North Beach."
On moving forward with any changes, he said: "What we've got to do now is take these quality of life issues that people have come up with and seek to marry those together with States policy."
More than 700 people were involved in the consultation process.
A Fountain Street shopkeeper said the area was a busy as ever and wondered if the suggestions being put forward had an "ulterior motive", as backing is being sought for new retail developments like Leale's Yard. (from BBC)

If the States dont sort out the town soon things will head north... to Leale's yard..