Public Feedback Received on Jersey Waterfront Redevelopment Proposals

Proposals for the redevelopment of Jersey’s waterfront have generated responses from 1,500 individuals. The Jersey Development Company (JDC) aims to transform St Helier’s waterfront and solicited community input on its second effort to secure approval for the project. The JDC indicated it had examined the five grounds for the prior planning rejection before unveiling an updated proposal. BBC News has engaged with residents in St Helier to gather their perspectives on these recent plans. Kim Carpenter, aged 68, resides in a waterfront apartment constructed by the JDC. She mentioned she had not yet reviewed the most recent development plans but stated the “first set of ideas were absolute rubbish”. Ms Carpenter expressed a desire for the vacant commercial properties in the vicinity to be utilized promptly. She commented: “It takes a lot of time, there’s one setting up soon as a wine bar and restaurant and there’s a café meant to be coming, but I think there should be more. I hope it’s not because the rent is too high.” Ruth Young, a friend of Ms Carpenter, resides in the western part of the island but frequently visits the St Helier waterfront. She described the area as presently “too quiet” and requiring “more hustle and bustle”. She articulated: “More entertainment, more going on, more jazz bars, more things for older people, more things for younger people, maybe coffee bars – I don’t know, just more life.” Harry McAlinden, a painter and decorator, conveyed his apprehension regarding the proposals to redevelop the outdoor Les Jardins de La Mer car park. He characterized the JDC’s suggestions to eliminate the 520-space car park as “ridiculous,” noting that tradespeople were already declining jobs in town because of insufficient parking. The JDC stated that planning regulations necessitate the retention of 520 parking spaces at the waterfront. It has intentions to move 100 spaces underground, but no specific information has been provided on the future of the remaining 420 spaces. The company added that the government is cognizant of the requirement for parking appropriate for commercial van operators. During a public meeting organized by the JDC on 20 November, John Young, a former minister for planning, expressed concern about the project’s 12-year duration. He stated: “I really think the States needs to put some capital funding into supporting this project and get on the best we can.” He also noted a “major reservation” concerning the proposals for an outdoor 50m (164ft) pool at Les Jardins de la Mer. He asserted there was a “desperate need” to replace the indoor 50m (164ft) pool at Fort Regent. Alison Horton, another attendee at the meeting, commented that the plans were “much better than the last iteration but it’s still not strong enough”. The architect conveyed her desire for developers to exhibit a bolder vision for the entire town. She remarked: “It’s not just about the waterfront, it’s about the whole of St Helier. I’d like to start walking through town and have a beautiful route that goes all the way through.” Lee Henry, the JDC chief executive, expressed that it was valuable to hear the public’s opinions at the gathering. He affirmed that he would factor in the community’s inquiries and worries as the waterfront development plans advance. He indicated that the JDC anticipates submitting a planning application for the undertaking in May 2025. For updates, follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Story suggestions can be sent to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.