A MURAL could be painted on a German bunker at the Albert Pier with the intention of making the public feel ‘nostalgic’ about the Island’s maritime history.
Ports of Jersey have lodged a planning application for the temporary mural, which would feature images telling the historical story of the pier.
In an accompanying statement, Ports wrote: ‘We hope the mural will be educational but also appeal to the younger generation, to get them interested in the Harbour’s history.
‘We want the public to understand what the mural is about and feel happy and nostalgic when viewing it. Visiting leisure yachtsmen and cruise-ship passengers still disembark on Albert Pier so this will be one of their first impressions, we want it to be a nice welcome to the Island as well.’
If plans are approved, the mural would be painted next month and unveiled at this year’s Barclays Boat Show on 29 April.
The project, if approved, would be managed by ArtHouse Jersey who have ‘extensive experience’ with mural projects in the community, Ports said.
‘The bunker has been painted magnolia for many years so is not currently in its original state. Our proposal will not be permanent, it will be returned to its current state,’ they added.
As part of a statement of significance, Ports wrote: ‘Jersey has a long maritime history and the most significant buildings that illustrate those seafaring traditions are of a public and heritage importance.
‘One of the most characteristic features of maritime Jersey is its small historic Harbours, which also rank as some of the Island’s greatest architectural and engineering achievements.’
In a comment provided to the JEP, Ports said: ‘Albert Pier has evolved significantly since it was first built. It began life as a primarily commercial pier, with operations ranging from the first potato exports to the first passenger terminal.
‘More recently it has been a focus for leisure activities and Ports of Jersey have been regenerating the pier to create open spaces for the public to use. We want to celebrate its history, and we hope this mural will achieve that, while also adding colour and vibrancy to the area.’
