On Saturday, the JEP revealed that the Health Department was conducting feasibility studies on the public park to determine whether the site would be suitable for the new hospital.
Health Minister Andrew Green confirmed that he is exploring four options after dismissing a dual-site at Overdale and the current hospital building.
And he said that he received approval from St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft to investigate the use of The People’s Park during discussions for the new building.
Senator Green said that he would be unable to make a decision on where he thought the new hospital should be until he has received the report on the St Helier park, having already received reports on Overdale, the current hospital site and a new building on the Waterfront.
Once the minister has decided on his preferred site, he will then lodge a proposition to be brought before the States outlining his recommendation.
In July, the minister said that he had hoped to be able to bring a proposition to the States by the end of September outlining the preferred site.
Speculation about where the new hospital will be has continued for months after Senator Green dismissed the option of building the hospital over two sites.
Christian May, chairman of the West of Town Community Association, said that he would oppose any plans to build on the park, while Mr Crowcroft and St Helier Deputy Jackie Hilton said that they would not support the plans unless a suitable alternative green space could be provided.
However, Senator Green said that he needs to look at all the available options and decide on which site would be best for the Island’s needs.
He said: ‘There are no proposals at present, it is a site that is being evaluated and I am waiting for those reports.
‘It is right to look at all the options.
‘It may be that we dismiss it as a potential site as we have not got the information at this moment.’
Discussing the public response to news that The People’s Park was being considered, Senator Green said: ‘Whatever site we go for we are going to please some people and upset others.
‘Even the current site will upset some people as there would be building work going on while patients are being treated so we have to do what is best for Jersey and what will deliver the best, most sustainable service and the most cost effective option.
The park is owned by the parish of St Helier and Mr Crowcroft said that any proposals would require approval from ratepayers.
Mr Crowcroft added that he expected there to be ‘Island-wide opposition’ to the plans.
Sixty-eight per cent of the 288 people who responded to a JEP online poll were against the park being used for the new hospital.
- Joanna Montgomery: Shouldnt be there. They should build it out of town on one plot, on a main road for good access. Perhaps somewhere like along Route de St Jean opposite the old B&Q site loads of fields up there which could be used, as long as they chose ones which werent too good for farming, e.g. too stony, poor soil etc. A good hospital is a must and perhaps building on fields isnt ideal but there has to be some priority for something so necessary. An A&E unit could be kept in town for more minor requirements.
- Richard Jackson: Stupid idea which will only line the pockets of building contractors (no doubt a UK firm). As a friend of mine said compulsory purchase the Stafford Hotel and expand on the existing site. Peoples Park is one of the most used parks in St Helier and a fantastic green space when its not put to use for large events. It is fine as it is. I dont believe the hospital should be out of town, that only puts lives at risk, if you attend A&E and need to be admitted or emergency surgery, everything is at hand under one roof.
- Helier J. Falle: The Overdale site is the answer for the new hospital. Peoples Park should be left as a public park, though with an underground carpark beneath it.
- Jack Taylor: Uh, no! Its nice to have somewhere in town without buildings and with a little bit of tranquillity. The park is used all year round for many different events and it is something we should look after. It would be a shame to lose yet another area in Jersey that is enjoyed by so many people, locals and visitors.
- Coral Howard: Definitely.[/breakout]
