Leale’s Yard Development Continues Despite Setback

The developers behind plans for over 300 new homes at Leale’s Yard have affirmed their “commitment” to the project, notwithstanding a recent impediment. Omnibus had initiated collaboration with Top Hat, a modular housing company, but the partner firm announced last week its decision to discontinue that segment of its operations. This marks the second modular housing firm Omnibus and the Channel Island Co-Op have partnered with, following Ilke Homes, which was listed for sale in 2023. Currently, discussions are taking place between the developers and the contractors responsible for The Limes development in Jersey, exploring the potential application of some of its construction methodologies at Leale’s Yard. Omnibus characterizes The Limes as a substantial multi-unit undertaking sharing commonalities with Leale’s Yard. An Omnibus spokesperson commented that modular housing “would have been new to Guernsey,” but noted that the recent trajectory of modular construction in the UK has not been favorable. He stated, “A number of the largest players have been wound up. The Top Hat news is the latest in this vein.” The developers acknowledged the information regarding Top Hat as a “setback,” but asserted that such challenges “go with the territory and it’s our job as developers to find an alternative.” Revised plans for the 314-home development were submitted to the Development and Planning Authority earlier in the current year. These proposals are anticipated to be presented at an open planning meeting prior to the close of this year, at which point politicians will render the ultimate decision on the project’s planning permission. Policy and Resources (P&R) has been formulating a proposition to acquire a portion of the residences at Leale’s Yard and is projected to present a policy letter on this subject to the States before the conclusion of the current term. Lyndon Trott, President of P&R, cautioned that construction at Leale’s Yard might not commence until at least 2026, citing “enormous complications associated with the site.” He had previously indicated that “spades may be in the ground” prior to the end of 2024.