Updated Waterfront Development Plan Seeks Community Input

The Jersey Development Company (JDC), the developer behind a project to reconfigure St Helier’s waterfront, has invited public feedback on its second attempt to secure approval for the scheme. JDC stated that its proposal, which includes the construction of hundreds of homes, has been revised to address a “number of issues.” When the initial plans were submitted, Environment Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf rejected the proposal, citing insufficient affordable housing and the failure to adequately reconnect St Helier with the waterfront. JDC confirmed it had reviewed the five reasons for the previous planning refusal. At that time, a panel indicated that the decision was made “in line” with policies outlined in the Bridging Island Plan 2022, noting that “too many areas” of the application required “significant changes.” The panel further stated that the application provided insufficient improvements to La Route de la Liberation, leaving a “largely untamed highway” separating the Waterfront from the town. It also observed that there would be “substantial excavation to create basement areas for parking and servicing,” which would generate contaminated waste for which there was “no satisfactory waste management solution.” Lee Henry, JDC chief executive, announced at a briefing on Tuesday that there would be a greater emphasis on landscaping, with improved connectivity from the town to the waterfront being a “major component.” He added that plans for the extension of the La Collette waste site would provide capacity for the “waste arisings” from the future development. JDC explained that three of the five reasons for refusal were related to “public policy and infrastructure matters” outside of its direct control, but these had now been “concluded by the government.” The firm stated it had given “careful consideration” to islander feedback, leading to the retention of a cinema, the AquaSplash swimming pool, and enhanced pedestrian access to and from the town. Phase one proposals include a redesigned Les Jardins de La Mer and a new children’s jet play area. An outdoor swimming pool with eight lanes, suitable for water polo, along with a cafe, sauna, and changing facilities, are also incorporated into the plans. Mr. Henry emphasized that the scheme must comply with planning policies in the Bridging Island Plan and the Southwest St Helier Planning Framework, as well as the St Helier Urban Character Appraisal. He noted that with no government funding for the project, returns from residential and commercial accommodation must cover the costs of public infrastructure and public open spaces. JDC announced it would continue public engagement, inviting all islanders to participate in a survey running until 4 December. Meanwhile, it stated that a question and answer session was planned for mid-November, with survey results to be published in January 2025, stakeholder engagement in March 2025, and a revised planning application due at the end of April 2025.