The submissions of plans for 332 houses, a multistorey car park, and Guernsey’s largest supermarket have been received.
This is the latest proposal in Leale’s Yard’s long-discussed development. It covers approximately 7.5 acres (3 hectares).
It is estimated that the project will cost more than PS100m, and it would be the most extensive single development on the island.
All homes in the proposal would be made from modular housing.
They would be manufactured in Harrogate and then transported to Guernsey for on-site construction.
The Channel Islands Co-operative will manage the supermarket, which is the site’s owner.
Charles McHugh is the director of development at Leale’s Yard. He stated that “This project will revitalize Guernsey’s 2nd town.”
He said that the house prices were not a concern for him.
“We will be at par with the Guernsey Housing Association guide prices.”
The States established the Guernsey Housing Association to provide socially rented housing. Homes are sold as part-ownership for lower-income people who cannot afford the private housing market. In addition, extra care housing is available for those who need additional support.
On its website, you can find a one-bedroom apartment with parking for PS250,000, a house with two bedrooms and parking for PS370,000, and a home with three bedrooms with parking for PS440,000.
Based on data from the past three months, the average Guernsey property purchased was PS550.893.
Modular homes are made up of modules or sections that have been built elsewhere and then assembled at the site.
“By using the techniques it means that we can complete this project in a very short time,” stated Jeremy Rihoy from JW Rihoys.
Modular is the industry’s future, and it’s not cheap or tacky. Instead, it is high quality and very well made.
He said that it would mean less work for local contractors—the Co-op Store, infrastructure, and car park, to name a few.
“There are probably PS60m of tasks that need to be done, but they aren’t modular.
“The Guernsey construction industry is currently flat out. This would not be possible if we were to do it the traditional way.
McHugh stated that he was trying to dispel any notions that modular is poor quality.
They are of very high quality. It is better than what we could accomplish using traditional methods.
“We believe we can build these houses and put them in place within three years.”
Nigel Banks is the special projects manager at Ilke Homes, a company in Harrogate that will build modular homes. He said that the company has a strong focus on low-emission structures and homes that are well insulated.
“The floors are then manufactured, then placed on a trailer and taken to a port. Then they are put on a charter boat and then transported to the location at night.”
The States will provide the infrastructure, including roads and traffic lights systems.
Mark Helyar, Leader of the Guernsey Party, visited Harrogate’s factory and stated that he was skeptical about modular housing but was “convinced” about their quality.
Affordable housing is essential. This is not social housing.
“This new method of building houses could be extended to housing key-workers such as staff at the hospital. It offers a real opportunity.”
Analysis by John Fernandez, Guernsey’s political reporter
Twenty-five years of false dawns.
Leale’s Yard was once regarded as a site that could regenerate The Bridge. However, numerous proposals to revitalize the area have failed.
Why?
They have also brought in a partner for development to help them get the process moving.
The result? The large-scale modular housing was built in Yorkshire and shipped to Guernsey. It will then be installed on-site. This, according to the team behind it, will reduce costs, speed up construction and result in a better product.
If it is granted planning approval, it will be able to build environmentally-friendly homes at a lower cost than local builders.
The big question is: Will the promise of affordability be realized in three years? This housing project is scheduled to be completed in 2013. Or will unsustainable property prices cause this development to move into another affordability category?