He says that the ambitious Esplanade Square plan – which has been approved by the States – should be dropped to make sure that whatever goes on the site fits the Island’s current needs, not the needs two years ago when the scheme was drawn up.
In the States this week Deputy Rondel won support for a proposition to delay any development work until the Island’s economy starts to recover from the recession. The proposition was approved by 37 votes to four.
Deputy Rondel said: ‘In my mind the whole thing is open and it should be for the people to decide. Whether that happens in 18 months or three years, we will have to wait and see. But will we be able to afford it in 18 months, given that there will not be as much revenue coming in?’
However, Environment Minister Freddie Cohen said that scrapping the Esplanade Square plan would mean wasting £200,000. Although the Esplanade Square plans have been backed by the States, they have not received final Planning approval.
