Christian May, chairman and founding member of the West of Town Community Association, said that he would oppose any proposals to build the £400 million new hospital on the People’s Park.
It was revealed by the JEP last year that the site was emerging as a front-runner for the hospital.
Health Minister Andrew Green confirmed last week that the park was a ‘strong contender’.
And yesterday, Chief Minister Ian Gorst said that the States might be asked to vote on whether to compulsory-purchase the park if the site was the chosen location.
However, Mr May said he was ‘quite concerned’ by the language being used and said that a compulsory purchase would be a ‘very worrying route’ for the Council of Ministers to take.
Both Senator Gorst and Senator Green said that should the People’s Park be chosen as the preferred site, then alternative green space would be given to St Helier, which owned the park.
Senator Green has said that he expects to announce his final decision on the preferred site in the first quarter of the year.
The States will then be asked to approve the decision.
It was recently revealed that the Peoples Park is emerging as the frontrunner in the search for a site for the new hospital. Ayisha Ashworth asked six Islanders what they thought of the plans.
1. Do you think the new hospital should be built on the People’s Park?
2. If not, where should it be built?
3. If the hospital is built on the People’s Park, the Chief Minister has said an alternative green space would be provided. Where should this green space be?
John Wiseman (44), who works in finance and lives in St Brelade
1. ‘No, the area is best used as an open space. The park is used for numerous events and is hence an important feature of town.’
2. ‘St Saviour. The hospital doesn’t necessarily need to be in town. Plus the infrastructure and facilities already exist, and so can be updated and expanded. I don’t believe hospitals have to be in the centre, and many out-of-town hospitals exist such as on the Isle of Man.’
3. ‘Get rid of the States and build it there! But feasibly, there are plenty of green spaces around town that could be used.’
Michael Nelson (33), who lives in St Saviour and is a data manager
1. ‘Yes. The People’s Park offers a central location and I think the new hospital needs to be in town.’
2. ‘If not, then the Waterfront could be a good location. There’s spare land on this site and there have already been talks about how best to utilise the area.’
3. ‘The Waterfront would be a good location for more green space. Also, Millennium Park could be expanded, though I’m not sure if that is really possible.’
Felicia Almas (31), a full-time mother from St Helier
1. ‘I believe it could be a good location. It is ideal, as it’s close to the centre of town and near to where I live.’
2. ‘Anywhere, as long as the new hospital is near the centre of town.’
3. ‘New green space would be best anywhere near the centre.’
Carol McCormick (63), who lives in St Helier and works for the States of Jersey Police
1. ‘No. The site is not large enough for a new hospital.’
2. ‘I believe there is no problem with the current location and personally don’t believe it needs drastic updating.’
3. ‘Near the centre of town. An existing car park could be used, or they could create a new central park.’
Brian Woods (76), who is retired and lives in St Mary
1. ‘No. It would mean taking away an important open space used for events and enjoyed by locals. Plus, they are currently building more flats, so this green space is becoming even more vital.’
2. ‘They missed an opportunity for either the new hospital or police station when the old JCG site was for sale. It would have been an ideal location. However, the Waterfront is a possible alternative.’
3. ‘Personally, I believe the need for green space is greatest where the People’s Park currently is.’
Martin Tadier (22), an office worker from St Helier
1. ‘No, having a hospital on the People’s Park would be too noisy. The sirens may be disturbing to the surrounding area.’
2. ‘The Waterfront. It is a central location and easily accessible.’
3. ‘At the Waterfront near the cinema.’
