BOAT owners in Gorey have decided to support a planning application to remove the deteriorating landing stage at the end of the pier – but have maintained calls for a “visionary plan” to improve the historic Harbour.
The update from the Gorey Boat Owners Association follows the submission of plans by Ports of Jersey to remove the upper deck and support pillars and install temporary support bracing from the lower deck to the original pier structure.
Ports has previously explained that the landing stage, which has been closed completely since 2023, has “significant” structural deterioration – something that has also been found in the former terminal building at the end of the pier.
But GBOA chair Barry Faudemer told the JEP earlier this month that the association was considering whether to challenge the planning application, amid “a groundswell of concern that the demolition is not accompanied by any vision of what the future will hold” for the grade-one listed structure.
GBOA vice-chair Paul Achler also said that calls for the Gorey Harbour to be updated over the years had fallen “on deaf ears”.
In response, Jersey’s Harbour Master Captain Bill Sadler said that the initial focus was on “making sure the pier is safe and secure”, but stressed that “the vision for Gorey” would be looked at during later phases of work.
In an update following a recent meeting, the GBOA said that “the committee recognise that the current concrete landing stage presents a real danger to the public and is beyond repair”.
The statement continued: “The GBOA therefore support the application by Ports of Jersey to remove the landing stage without further delay.”
However, it noted “disappointment and concern that the demolition no longer included removal of the customs arrivals hall which is derelict and structurally unsound”.
“The committee are of the view that both the landing stage and the derelict building should be removed at the same time to make the entire area safe for public use.”
It added that there was “strong support” for plans to be created that would help develop “the full potential of the harbour for all users”.
“We are anxious that progress should follow quickly to devise and implement a visionary plan for Gorey Pier and Harbour to continue to be an iconic asset in which the Island can take great pride.”
