THE new Saltpans industrial area should be made affordable for small local firms, says the Confederation of Guernsey Industry.
Director Peter Budwin said the group had been fully supportive of States proposals for the land throughout the initial consultation process and it still was.
‘But we felt that because it was a very high-end industrial estate with a lot of landscaping, it seemed to be geared to attracting off-island business,’ he said. ‘We have nothing against that, but we feel that the need is greater for on-island businesses that are already looking for industrial space.’
He hoped the CGi’s original comments would be noted in the next stage of the planning process. ‘The original proposal would have been very expensive and there would have been few small businesses that could have afforded the rents that we would have anticipated,’ said Mr Budwin.
Kenilworth Properties and the Guiton Group sold the 15-acre site to Saltpans Investments – part of the Long Port Group – last week in a £7,365,000 deal.
Long Port has promised considerable investment to ensure a high-quality sustainable development which will fit in with the surrounding wetland area.
Chairman Charles Billson said Mr Budwin’s comments related to the development brief published in August 2007, not by his company but by the Environment Department.
‘We will be entering discussion with Environment and with industry,’ he said. ‘There is a lot to be discussed and there are no formal plans yet, so any talk about what rents are likely to be is premature and speculative.’
Chamber of Commerce president Paul Luxon said his group had been supportive of Commerce and Employment trying to meet the need for light industrial premises.
‘It’s important that start-up businesses and small companies are able to find suitable premises if they are going to be able to provide a service to us all,’ he said.
He hoped that the Saltpans development would go some way to addressing the problem. Companies moving out of Leale’s Yard ahead of its redevelopment by the Channel Islands Co-operative Society are also looking for somewhere to go, he added.
‘It’s an island-wide problem that warehouse and light industrial accommodation is in short supply, so any provision of new facilities must be welcomed,’ said Mr Luxon.
Article posted on 15th May, 2008 - 1.00pm
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