Ferry terminal to go in £5m upgrade of the Albert Pier?

STANDALONE Albert Pier Terminal to be demolished Picture: DAVID FERGUSON

Ports of Jersey, which is funding the project without government support, said that – subject to receiving planning permission – construction could begin within the first quarter of 2021, with the scheme being complete by the summer.

It is hoped that once the work is finished, larger vessels can relocate to the Albert Pier, freeing up space for smaller boats to berth in other marinas. There has historically been high demand for berths from owners of vessels measuring between 39ft and 45ft.

The work is part of a wider project to significantly overhaul the entire Harbour. Ports chief executive Matt Thomas said: ‘Ports of Jersey is committed to investing in our harbour infrastructure to support the resilience of the Island’s lifeline services and supply chain, as well as the future sustainability of our maritime industries. We look forward to sharing our broader investment plans for the development of the Harbour, when the current demands of the pandemic have passed.’

A concept image created by Ports of Jersey to give an idea of what the Albert Pier might look like if plans are approved. Picture: Ports of Jersey (30068267)

Ports says that the terminal is now beyond repair and is only used for a short time during the year. Manche-Iles Express, had operated its summer passenger-ferry services between Jersey, Normandy, Sark and Guernsey from the pier, but the firm has now moved to the Elizabeth Harbour Terminal, where Condor is based.

Steve Tanner, group capital projects director for Ports of Jersey, said: ‘We had hoped to start work on this project last winter, but our proposals were put on hold for 12 months while we focused our efforts on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We have consulted and engaged extensively with our commercial operators and leisure users, who have welcomed the plans and recognise the opportunities and benefits this reconfiguration of the Albert Pier will bring to the leisure-marine community.’

Visiting and local mariners wishing to moor their vessels on the pier’s waiting pontoon will continue to be able to do so and the nearby lifeboats will be unaffected.

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