CASH cuts are likely to stop any plans to create more space for traditional traders in the redeveloped Markets. The much-delayed project is nearing completion and traditional traders hope to be in their new homes before Christmas.

Treasury and Resources has been asked by the National Trust of Guernsey to consider letting extra stalls and the department is considering the suggestion.

‘We are considering it, but it would be very, very expensive with the current climate of financial commitments to schools and hospitals and so on and filling the black hole.

‘To take on a loss-making enterprise would not be supported by the States in our opinion,’ said John Silvester, the head of estates for the States property services.

‘The States resolved nine years ago to get out of the market business and we would have to go back to the States to ask them to rescind that decision. It’s very unlikely that the States would be interested in doing it. But T&R has been asked to consider it and we will,’ said Mr Silvester.

It has been suggested that the States rent an area from the developer and subsidise part of the development.

‘It would mean that we would have to re-employ people and we would have to do all the maintenance and billing,’ said Mr Silvester.

Traditional traders are to have special five-year rents and the States would have to offer others the same.

The former are getting settled into their latest temporary home in the French Halles.

They will return to the area where they were until recently but to a better set-up.

But some tenants will not be back.

The Guernsey Welfare Service has moved to the St Martin’s Community Centre.

The Pet Care business has left and will not return, while the Guernsey Lifeboat Guild has moved out temporarily, but it is understood that developer McAulay plans to find it a space.

‘We are supporting those ideas,’ said Mr Silvester.

The ‘bull-nose’ end of the Markets will house food and traditional traders.

New Look will be the first tenant to move in on 29 July.

‘It’s very good to see the first tenant go in. It’s a major shop going in and will help shopping in St Peter Port.’

Sites for other confirmed tenants, including Mackays, HMV and Christie’s, are currently being fitted out.

‘There is a lot of interest in the other units both locally and from the UK and the developer is not rushing to sell them,’ said Mr Silvester.

‘The inside of the Markets is coming on and it’s looking well.

‘It’s a huge relief and it’s the end of nine years’ work to see it finished. I think people will see a lot of difference in Mill Street and Fountain Street and it will pick everything up. Treasury and Resources sees the areas being revitalised.’

There will be an alfresco restaurant in the development.

‘The potential for Market Square and terrace overlooking the Town Church will be considerable for all sorts of events: the world is your oyster. It gives Culture and Leisure the opportunity to do all sorts of things.

‘Marquees now on the piers could go into the square – it will be nice to have open space,’ he said.

He did not discount the possibility of staging live televised events there.