And States of Jersey Development Company managing director Lee Henry said that, as it stood, a cinema remained part of the plans, although the size of such a venue had not been finalised.
In August, the JDC revealed that a ‘landscape-led’ vision for the Waterfront area was in the works, and that it had partnered with landscape architects Gillespies to help deliver the scheme.
The project – which is estimated to take around 12 years to complete – could feature bold new additions to the Waterfront including outdoor swimming pools, a national art gallery and a landscaped bridge over the Route de la Libération.
Before any work can commence, an extensive consultation process will take place, and the JDC has created a website where the public can provide feedback on the proposed developments.
However, at the time of writing only 75 people had responded to an open question asking what they thought would make the Waterfront redevelopment ‘a success’ for them as well as for their family and friends.
Mr Henry said that many of the concepts initially outlined were still open to discussion through the consultation.
‘At the moment it’s an idea, and we have to go through this engagement process to establish if it’s an idea that Islanders want to see realised and if it aligns with the government’s objectives and strategies with regards to art and culture,’ he said. ‘As part of the consultation process we will be discussing with the arts bodies what type of facility there is a requirement for.
‘I think there will absolutely still be a requirement for a cinema,’ he added. ‘I don’t think we’re looking at not having a cinema but I think there’s obviously work that needs to be done as to the size of the cinema requirement, which will be part of the study we will be carrying out for the application. Fundamentally the Island will have a cinema, but whether the cinema is located at the Waterfront is yet to be concluded.
‘We would certainly have an area available for it if that were to be the conclusion.’
The Island’s only cinema – Cineworld, which is at the Waterfront – has been closed since the start of the pandemic and the company is facing major financial difficulties.
With months still to go before the planning application is submitted, Mr Henry called for ‘as many Islanders as possible’ to take part in the consultation.
‘We have a huge opportunity here to produce a fantastic Waterfront,’ said Mr Henry. ‘Absolutely we want as many Islanders as possible to engage and participate in the consultation. We really do want to hear people’s views and ultimately we are here to deliver a Waterfront that the Island can be proud of.’
The consultation is set to run until the end of March and will include a series of public engagements to help narrow down feedback, with the aim of submitting an outline planning application in May. Those wishing to take part can do so at sthelierwaterfront.je.
