THE government has backed out of controversial plans to remove a historic King Street landmark after the move sparked public outcry over the weekend.
The apple crusher – which sits between Broad Street and the high street – was set to be moved to Howard Davis Park as part of a wider scheme to create more al fresco dining areas and space in St Helier and were laid out in plans to redevelop Broad Street
However, after St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner spoke against the move and following a post on the parish of St Helier’s Facebook page which generated more than 900 comments, Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf said the “significant public response” was clear and that he would abandon the proposal.
On Friday, Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf said that he was “listening to the views being expressed” and that no final decision had been taken.
At the time, he said: “It is worth recalling that the proposals showing its removal have been publicly available throughout the development of the scheme. These proposals were displayed and discussed at a public exhibition over a year ago, and the plans published online have consistently shown the Apple Crusher removed.
“Significant design work has been undertaken over an extended period, in consultation with stakeholders and any substantial redesign would result in additional cost and delays, as well as potential impacts on the quality of the scheme and its ability to meet key project objectives.”
According to his department, the apple crusher has “no known historic connection” to King Street – instead having previously stood abandoned in Bouley Bay and moved to town as decoration in 1978.
Apple crushers like it would have been common in Jersey farmhouses – with Jersey Heritage describing online how apples were a mainstay in the Island. In 1790, around 30,000 to 35,000 barrels of cider were produced. But cider-making in Jersey declined during the 19th century.
The King Street apple crusher was “in a state of disrepair” by the 1950s, according to Infrastructure.
Yesterday, the minister confirmed that “having listened” to those views of Islanders and to Mrs Gardiner, he has “instructed officers to redesign the scheme so that the Apple Crusher is retained”.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with the proposals, including parish representatives, local businesses and members of the public,” he said.
“In particular, I recognise that some businesses and stakeholders who supported the original design will be disappointed by this change of approach, and I apologise for the late amendment to the plans.
“Our aim remains to deliver a high-quality improvement scheme for Broad Street that enhances the area while reflecting the views of the community and our heritage.”
