The ongoing debate about the redevelopment of the quay in Kingsbridge could usefully be informed by considering the town of Vannes in Brittany.

Like Kingsbridge, Vannes is at the head of a long tidal ria, has a rectangular basin which is situated right in the heart of the town, with roads on two sides.  Approaching from the water the town bears a remarkable similarity to Kingsbridge.   

Vannes has a lock which is open for a few hours either side of high tide, so that deep-keeled yachts may visit and berth overnight. The car parking problem has been solved by building a three-storey underground car park capable of holding 400-plus cars, under the quay right next to the harbour. The quay itself is retained as a paved public space, including the tourist information centre and exhibition space.

The net effect is that the harbour is busy with many visitors, who bring much business to the town’s restaurants and shops, as well as being an attractive feature at all states of the tide. Other visitors may park close to the centre of the town and the streets are not clogged with parked cars.

Vannes is a larger town than Kingsbridge, but demonstrates how the valuable asset we have in our quay could be developed for the benefit of visitors, residents and local traders.

Steve Dooley

South Pool, Kingsbridge