Tuesday 20 December 2022
Funding has been approved for the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to re-instate access from La Vallette to Clarence Battery.
The funding, which was approved by the Policy & Resources Committee, will cover the necessary works to stabilise the slopes either side of the entrance to what was the Aquarium and the building of steps to create access to Clarence Battery.
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure will require planning permission before any work can commence. An invitation to tender for the works will be issued during early 2023.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:
"Islanders and visitors alike have missed being able to enjoy the beautiful route along our east coast from La Vallette round to Clarence Battery and onwards following the landslide. Protecting our coastal infrastructure is rarely a quick fix and often requires careful technical investigation, as has been the case at the Cow's Horn. We have been careful to do this right so that we avoid the same problems recurring, or worse, later down the line. We all want to see this work carried out as soon as possible, so now we've done the necessary technical investigation it's good to see this moving to the next stage."
David Warr, Chair of Vive La Vallette LBG, the Guernsey charity which completed the regeneration project to the café and changing facilities at the bathing pools earlier this year, said:
"'I am delighted to hear that the Clarence Battery steps are to be re-instated. Since opening the new facilities in June 2022, we have received regular enquiries as to the future of the steps following the landslide in early 2020. I am hopeful that now funding has been approved, the work will be completed on a timely basis, and this important gateway will once again be open for all to enjoy.
"The La Vallette area not only has a rich history but is an important part of St Peter Port, offering convenient recreational space in an outstanding location. The reopening of the steps will further enhance the area for the benefit of both the Guernsey community and visitors."
The damage to the steps was caused by a landslide brought on by heavy rainfall. Following inspections of the damage by the States Property Unit engineers and geotechnical experts, options were drawn up so the necessary works to stabilise the slopes and reinstate the access route could be determined. It is anticipated that works could begin in the third quarter of 2023, to be completed by the end of next year.
