A MEMORIAL garden could feature at the site of the Pier Road explosion which claimed the lives of ten Islanders, according to the Housing Minister.
Deputy Sam Mézec revealed in a written answer to former Housing Minister David Warr that “consideration is ongoing” about the future of the site at Haut du Mont – but that it could include both a memorial garden and housing.
Last September, former Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf signed an order for the demolition of the most severely damaged blocks of flats left standing following the explosion in the early hours of 10 December 2022.
Deputy Warr, who now sits on the backbenches, asked whether steps had been taken to bring the vacant homes near the site back into use following the partial demolition – and when these would be occupied.
In his response, Deputy Mézec said: “As the Deputy is aware during his time as Housing Minister, and as a member of the Political Oversight Group for Major Incidents, consideration is ongoing in relation to the future of this site.
“We are in the process of formulating ideas, in partnership with Andium Homes, which are likely to include both a memorial garden and housing.
“Further details will be made available once these have been discussed with the new government and, more importantly, with the displaced residents and bereaved families.”
The Political Oversight Group for Major Incidents – which was set up in December 2022 in response to the Haut du Mont tragedy and sinking of the L’Ecume II fishing vessel – has previously recommended that the redevelopment of the site in the future should include a permanent memorial to those who died in the blast.
States police announced last August that three people have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the explosion.
