Campaign group Save Our Shoreline, which works to protect Jersey’s coast and heritage, has voiced concerns over the loss of parts of the historic sea wall on the north side of the Esplanade car park.
Before land was reclaimed and built on, the sea was kept at bay by the wall, but now areas are under threat because of the development of the States of Jersey Development Company’s Jersey International Finance Centre.
Dave Cabeldu, Save Our Shoreline co-ordinator, said that rather than using the percentage-for-art funds on exterior panelling for the first building, which was approved this week, developers should consider improving the sea wall and showcasing Jersey’s heritage.
‘Developers could enhance it, clean it up and maybe restore it with old Jersey granite and make it a town gateway, so at least we have something there that will preserve our heritage,’ Mr Cabeldu said.
‘We’ve had 300 messages of support through Facebook. Wouldn’t it be nice if instead of knocking it down the wall was kept, rejuvenated and enhanced. It’s a missed opportunity.’
Mr Cabeldu has written to a number of politicians, as well as heritage leaders in the Island. He said that St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft and St Brelade Deputy John Young had taken an interest in the matter.
Mr Crowcroft said: ‘I’m very disappointed with Jersey’s attitude when I see other towns and cities making enormous efforts to integrate heritage into new schemes.
‘I was in Rennes recently, where huge importance is placed on heritage and our position should be that historic elements should be incorporated rather than being a position of last resort, as is the case in Jersey.’
The St Helier Constable added that he hoped the States Development Company would listen to those who were calling for heritage to be considered as part of the development of the financial district.
Lee Henry, the States Development Company’s managing director, explained that the plans for the historic sea wall had all been set out and agreed through the St Helier Masterplan.
‘The master plan set out which sections would remain and which sections would be removed, and we are entirely in accordance with that,’ he said.
