LONG PORT has modified its vision of ‘Little Venice’. But it will leave the States to decide the future of Belle Greve.

There has been sustained pressure from protesters over that part of its proposals, which would involve creating a series of islands in the bay.

It is looking at ways of lessening the impact of development and working on environmental enhancements.

The developer is now also working on plans to restore Castle Cornet and turn it into a heritage, cultural and community centre.

Funding for that would come from a cross-subsidy from its proposed office development at the Fish Quay.

And for the last seven months, it has studied the possibility of pedestrianising the seafront in a similar way as is proposed in a rival vision recently released by a group of 12 businessmen.

‘It’s not unusual for us, following community consultation and input from others, to significantly modify and develop our plans and concepts,’ said Long Port chairman Charles Billson.

‘We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the business sector. We had requests from 11 different bodies to make presentations. We’ve listened to what they’re saying, and the public, and we’re at work now on a whole range of modifications and changes.’

Mr Billson said it would take on board the views of Belle Greve Bay protesters.

‘We’re trying to reduce the impact, but further comment would be premature.’

Long Port had not changed its opinion on the desperate shortage of land in Guernsey and the need for sensitive development, he added.

‘The sensationalism and hysteria of the protesters are unfortunate because the government has not made its mind up on anything to do with the eastern seaboard and can’t formulate policy until it has the results of the survey,’ said Mr Billson.

The States yesterday decided to spend £145,000 on consultants to draw up various scenarios for the coast.

Mr Billson welcomed the move.

‘It’s important government undertakes these studies to have a balanced view without sensationalism and properly considers what’s best for Guernsey.’

Long Port’s vision was evolving.

‘One idea is to make Castle Cornet a centre of excellence for heritage, culture and the community,’ he said.

‘We put forward proposals last year for office development on the Fish Quay. We’re looking to use that to cross-subsidise renovation and refurbishment of the whole of Castle Cornet.’

‘Asterix’, the remains of a Roman ship found in the harbour in 1982, would be the centrepiece, he added.

The abattoir could be relocated to a purpose-built facility and the buildings renovated and used for other community purposes.

‘We’re excited about the Fish Quay. It’s a quick win for government,’ said Mr Billson. ‘You could bring together many cultural sites from around the island which are poorly funded, or have nowhere to go, and put them into the castle. It could be made a fantastic place for exhibitions and events and be the cultural and heritage icon of Guernsey.’

There would be no commercial development in the castle, he said.

Long Port is studying the impact of pedestrianising the Town’s seafront.

In principle it was a good idea, said Mr Billson.

‘But you have to be careful about the congestion and traffic growth around the back of Town. The rat runs would become impossible.’

The developer is also looking at a permanent facility on the Crown Pier for events such as the seafood festival and regattas that are currently held in tents.

That would be another good short-term win, he said. The States decision was a success story for Guernsey, added Mr Billson.

‘It really is good-news time for those people who are passionate about the future of Guernsey and future generations. We have to go forward – we can’t go back.’

Long Port released its original vision last year.