Rosia Bay: What’s different this time?

The latest expressions of interest tender for the development of Rosia Bay is the sixth since 1990.

20 applications have been received since 2012, with an additional 11 for the nearby AHQ site alone.

In a joint statement, the Heritage Trust, Environmental Safety Group, the Ornithological & Natural History Society as well as the Nautilus Project said they believe Rosia Bay should be restored as a public-interest project, centred on heritage conservation, environmental protection and open public access. They say the AHQ Building and its casemates could be used for interpretation, education and visitor purposes in a way that improves understanding of the site without harming its historic setting.

The groups stress that action is becoming urgent, warning that repeated winter storms are accelerating deterioration of the historic mole and surrounding structures year after year.

Their statement also points out that the Government committed public funds to the restoration of Rosia Bay in its 2023 election manifesto, yet this latest EOI says all project costs are to be paid by the successful applicant – with the caveat that the Government may choose to offset part of the premium to help make the project viable.

In answer to GBC questions, the Government said 'the approach has not shifted', claiming that in both cases the financing was directly connected to the funds received for the site by the developer.  

Rosia Bay is a historic and much-loved site, but it has seen better days. Over the years there have been many ideas put forward for the area.

Proposals for the site have included public leisure facilities, sea-bathing pavillions, residentiual units and even a water park. For the AHQ site – there have been suggestions of a hotel, elderly care facilities and a residential development. None of these projects have gone ahead.

After the latest expressions of interest invitation. GBC put in questions to the Government.

A No.6 spokesperson said: “Successive Governments have been trying to deliver a development scheme for Rosia Bay since the site was handed over by the Ministry of Defence in 1990. For over thirty years, HMGoG and different prospective applicants have been unable to reach an agreement for the development of the site. Some of the complex and detailed negotiations have themselves taken many years given the number of surveys and reports which have been required of prospective developers.”

Since 1999, there have been six formal invitations for proposals to develop Rosia Bay and surrounding areas, with a dolphinarium also considered by the then GSD government back in 2010.

In answer to GBC questions the Government said in 2012 – 15 submissions were received. In 2022, a further five – with three applicants reaching presentation stage. There were 11 submissions made in 2024 (for just the AHQ building) – again, three made the shortlist.

 So, what’s different in 2026?

The Government told GBC it is ‘testing the market again’ to assess current interest, but that, at present, it is ruling out residential development of the Bay itself.

Any development of Rosia Bay will require approval from the DPC, the consent of the Government, and, if applicable, a heritage licence. 

The deadline for this latest Expressions of interest invitation is the 27th of February.  At that point the Government says it will evaluate submissions with any conflicts of interest expected to be declared.