ST Helier’s Constable has called for action to improve the north of town before “it sinks under the weight of dense apartment buildings”.
Speaking at the official unveiling of The Sail – a piece of public art at the Jersey Development Company’s Waterfront Horizon scheme in the south of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft said that the northern area could also be enhanced by open green spaces and public artworks.
Mr Crowcroft argued that such artworks could revolutionise any area of the town, saying: “Anyone doubtful of the value of public art should look no further than Pitt Street, formerly a poky back street, transformed into a destination, with the hopes and fears of local schoolchildren immortalised in its pavement inscriptions.”
Referencing the 2015 protests against the JDC’s plans to build the International Finance Centre on the Esplanade car park, he said: “For the life of me I can’t understand what motivated so many Islanders to circle the Esplanade quarter with placards bearing the word ‘No’, especially now that we see the high-quality and – to me at least – attractive design of the International Finance Centre, with the generous provision of open space in the shape of Trenton Square.”
He added: “I wish the government would emulate this in the north of St Helier as it sinks under the weight of dense apartment buildings.
“But as far as the south of the town goes, with its still unspoilt views of the horizon and St Helier’s Hermitage beyond, it’s a ‘Yes’ from me.”
Mr Crowcroft cited Philip Jackson’s bronze Liberation sculpture in Liberation Square and Siobhann(CORRECT- 2 Ns) McLeod’s First World War memorial in Parade Gardens as other significant and widely admired examples of public art in St Helier.
The Sail, by Chinese artist Zheng Luis, is made from stainless steel and represents the shapes created by a billowing ship’s sail.
Lee Henry, the JDC’s chief executive, said: “We’ve received some very positive feedback about the design and its uniqueness. It’s certainly a sculpture that captures your attention and invites admiration.
“The design of the sculpture provides a wonderful, contemporary take on Jersey’s maritime heritage.
“We are delighted with delivering this outstanding piece of art at the Waterfront.”
