Transport hub proposed for cleared airport site

A proposition has been made to use contaminated land near the airport as a transport hub, once soil affected by "forever chemicals" has been cleared.

Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said he hoped his idea would improve links around the island, especially bus services.

The transport hub could include storage for bikes, a covered walkway, taxi provision and more regular bus routes.

Gabriel said it could "provide seamless transport options" and it would be an opportunity to "do something better rather than just car parking".

"Admittedly, our taxi rank is very close at the airport but it is congested with other people doing pickups and drop-offs... it's the opportunity to do something better and make our transport arrangements at the airport improved," he added.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate or (PFOS) is part of a group known as forever chemicals because they break down very slowly, have previously been linked to serious health conditions and are known to cause environmental risks.

The Guernsey States' Trading Supervisory Board previously said funds would be used to dig up the 15,000 tonnes of polluted soil, transport it off-island, clean it properly using a specialist process and cover additional costs including expert advice and unexpected expenses.

The proposition for a transport hub was seconded by Vice-President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, Deputy Andy Cameron.

He said: "Removing the PFAS contamination is essential, but it also creates an opportunity.

"Once the land is available, we should explore whether it could become a modern mobility hub, bringing together buses, cycling, shared transport, taxis and airport services in one convenient location.

"This amendment doesn't commit the States to build anything. It simply asks that we take a strategic look at how this valuable site could improve transport links, reduce congestion and give people more travel choices in the future."

The States' Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) is asking for the approval of £16.5 million for the clean up operation of PFAS contaminated soils at the airport.

The States said the contaminated soil had been excavated from various locations around the airport in 2012, and at the site of a freight plane crash in a field alongside Forest Road.

Removal works are expected to begin in early 2027, subject to States approval.

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