The Environment Department announced last year that it would be reviewing and updating the 2008 Esplanade Quarter Masterplan following recommendations by an independent inspector and the Corporate Service Scrutiny Panel.
Last year, Philip Staddon, an independent planning inspector, described the plan as ‘out of date’ when he oversaw an appeal against one of the proposed office blocks for the Jersey International Finance Centre.
The appeal was rejected allowing the project, which is currently being developed by the Jersey Development Company, to continue. However, Environment Minister Steve Luce confirmed his department would update the near decade-old masterplan.
Now, Design Council, a charity which acts as the UK government’s adviser on strategic design, have been appointed to provide specialist advice on the review.
Deputy Luce said: ‘They will act as a critical friend as we move this important project forward to ensure that we produce an imaginative, inclusive and workable masterplan for the Esplanade Quarter in line with our strategic priority of regenerating St Helier.’
The original masterplan included a new finance quarter, as well as plans for a new hotel to boost tourism.
