PLANS to build a £330m finance district on the Waterfront will continue despite attempts to stop the development.
Three weeks ago the States voted overwhelmingly in favour for the Hopkins masterplan and yesterday Members gave it the same support by throwing out a proposition by Deputy Gerard Baudains to rescind the Esplanade Quarter plan.
States Members voted in two parts, reflecting the way the original vote was cast. The Assembly voted against rescinding the architectural plan by 31 votes to nine, and against rescinding the financial deal by the same number.
Who will deliver the Esplanade Quarter, which will take seven-to-ten years to build, is still under discussion and Members were told by Chief Minister Frank Walker not to let the controversy surrounding preferred developers Harcourt affect their judgment.
Harcourt’s capability to deliver the project was questioned after financial capacity audits were leaked to the JEP and after it was confirmed that the Irish-based company was facing lawsuits in Dublin and Las Vegas.
‘The important thing about the debate is that it is not about Harcourt and not about doing a deal with Harcourt,’ said Senator Walker.
‘The masterplan does not bind the States or WEB to any deal with Harcourt. There is no reason for those Members who fully supported the masterplan to change their minds.’
Earlier in the debate Assistant Treasury Minister John Le Fondré, who originally supported the scheme, agreed with Deputy Baudains that a rescindment was the only way forward.
He said that public confidence in the project had been rocked and that ministers were underestimating how the debâcle had affected Islanders.
‘Additional elements came to light which showed that people had not actually done their job properly,’ said the Deputy Le Fondré. ‘The outcome of that has been one of the biggest blows to public confidence and public trust that I have ever come across.
‘The planning minister spoke very eloquently – he has a dream. But the economic review was over two years old and due diligence was carried out ten months ago before the credit crunch had impacted.
‘The focus has been on the visual delight of the scheme but this is like looking at a car you can’t afford.
‘We are not taking the public with us on this and that is very important because the public will have to put up with the disruption it will cause.’
Housing Minister Terry Le Main said that the deputy had been speaking ‘a lot of ‘waffle’ and he failed to understand his points.
Deputy Andrew Lewis said that he was also flabbergasted at the deputy’s comments and had never heard him speak so negatively.
Other politicians said that they were still concerned about sinking the road, having a single developer, and the disposal of toxic waste and asbestos.
On Wednesday, Members had heard from Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur, who said that he would commission an independent external valuation of the site, and Environment Minister Freddie Cohen who said that reversing the decision would waste two years of work and taxpayers’ money.
How they voted – part 1
For: Senator Syvret; the Constable of St Clement; Deputies Baudains and Gorst (St Clement), Martin, Southern and Pitman (St Helier), Reed (St Ouen) and Le Fondré (St Lawrence). Total: 9
Against: Senators Walker, Kinnard, Le Sueur, Routier, Vibert, Ozouf, Le Main, Shenton, Cohen and Perchard; the Constable of St Mary, St Helier, Trinity, St Lawrence, Grouville and St Brelade; Deputies Huet, Fox, Hilton, de Faye, Le Claire, and Maclean (St Helier); Scott Warren (St Saviour), Ferguson and Power (St Brelade), Labey (Grouville), Egré (St Peter), Mezbourian (St Lawrence); Pryke (Trinity), A Lewis (St John), Gallichan (St Mary). Total: 31
How they voted – part 2
For: Senator Syvret; the Constable of St Clement; Deputies Baudains (St Clement), Martin, Southern and Pitman (St Helier), Reed (St Ouen), Le Fondré and Mezbourian (St Lawrence). Total: 9
Against: Senators Walker, Kinnard, Le Sueur, Routier, Vibert, Ozouf, Le Main, Shenton, Cohen and Perchard; the Constable of St Mary, St Helier, Trinity, St Lawrence, Grouville and St Brelade; Deputies Huet, Fox, Hilton, de Faye, Le Claire and Maclean (St Helier); Scott Warren (St Saviour), Ferguson and Power (St Brelade), Labey (Grouville), Egré (St Peter), Pryke (Trinity), A Lewis (St John), Gorst (St Clement), Gallichan (St Mary).Total: 31
There were no abstentions in either vote but Senator Norman and Deputy Ryan (St Helier) declared an interest and withdrew from the chamber. The Constable of St Peter was excused attendance.
