We opened an opinion poll to find out your views. A total of 288 voted in the poll with 68 per cent of respondents saying they were against the park being used for the new hospital, while 32 per cent supported the idea.
Speculation about where the new hospital will be has continued for months after Health Minister Andrew Green dismissed the option of building the hospital over two sites.
The Health Department is understood to be conducting feasibility studies on the site, although other sites, including expanding the current hospital are also being considered.
After it was revealed the People’s Park was being considered, Christian May, chairman of the West of Town Community Association, said he would oppose any plans.
St Helier Deputy Jackie Hilton and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft both said that they could not support any build on People’s Park unless a comparable green space could be found for parishioners.
The park is owned by the parish of St Helier and Mr Crowcroft said that any proposals for the site would require approval from ratepayers and Mr Crowcroft said that he expected there to be ‘Island-wide opposition’ to the plans.
Developers Dandara, who are in the process of building new flats below the rock face at Westmount, which faces the park, said they would wait to see how the plans progressed.
Director Martin Clancy said: ‘We will be taking great interest in what the proposals are and what impact they might have on our scheme.
‘It’s so hard to get a park built, why take one out? But maybe it’s the right thing to do for the health of the Island.’
Mr Clancy added that it was interesting to see that States Members went out of their way recently to protect a small plot of grassland at La Collette flats, but that building on the People’s Park could mean the loss of ten to 15 acres of open space.
- Joanna Montgomery: Shouldnt be there. They should build it out of town on one plot, on a main road for good access. Perhaps somewhere like along Route de St Jean opposite the old B&Q site loads of fields up there which could be used, as long as they chose ones which werent too good for farming, e.g. too stony, poor soil etc. A good hospital is a must and perhaps building on fields isnt ideal but there has to be some priority for something so necessary. An A&E unit could be kept in town for more minor requirements.
- Richard Jackson: Stupid idea which will only line the pockets of building contractors (no doubt a UK firm). As a friend of mine said compulsory purchase the Stafford Hotel and expand on the existing site. Peoples Park is one of the most used parks in St Helier and a fantastic green space when its not put to use for large events. It is fine as it is. I dont believe the hospital should be out of town, that only puts lives at risk, if you attend A&E and need to be admitted or emergency surgery, everything is at hand under one roof.
- Helier J. Falle: The Overdale site is the answer for the new hospital. Peoples Park should be left as a public park, though with an underground carpark beneath it.
- Jack Taylor: Uh, no! Its nice to have somewhere in town without buildings and with a little bit of tranquillity. The park is used all year round for many different events and it is something we should look after. It would be a shame to lose yet another area in Jersey that is enjoyed by so many people, locals and visitors.
- Coral Howard: Definitely.[/breakout]
