With battle lines being drawn following news that the site is emerging as the front runner in the search for a new hospital site, Senator Ian Gorst confirmed that should the park be developed, alternative green space would be given to St Helier, which owns the People’s Park.
And amid suspicions being voiced that ministers may be plotting to offer an extension to the Millennium Town Park as that alternative, he said that the green space could be a combination of land already owned by the States and private land purchased by government.
A site owned by Jersey Gas next to the Town Park has been earmarked for development, with outline plans for almost 300 flats previously approved.
However, the plans, which are currently stalled, led to a backlash from parishioners.
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, meanwhile, has campaigned for an extension to the Town Park and called for the States to buy the Jersey Gas site to achieve it.
And St Helier Deputy Richard Rondel has raised concerns that ministers may try to seduce his fellow parish Deputies into supporting a new hospital on the People’s Park by offering the Jersey Gas site in return.
