FUNDING has been approved for a new scheme that could be a “catalyst” for better living conditions in town, according to St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft.
Residents also approved a 5.6% increase in rates at a parish assembly held on Wednesday 10 July.
At the meeting, attended by around 60 people, £490,000 in funding was approved for “public realm enhancements” on Poonah Road and Pomona Road.
This is the first of five Neighbourhood Improvement Areas – designated in 2022 – to be turned into community spaces featuring more amenities and fewer cars.
The proposals included more green space, wider pavements, improved walking and cycling facilities, as well as traffic-calming measures.
The funding that was approved covers just under half of what the total project will require.
“Parishioners expressed the view that government should be contributing towards the cost of making St Helier a better place to live,” Mr Crowcroft said.
With new housing concentrated in town, he added, “it’s not fair to expect St Helier rate-payers to have a lesser quality of life than people living in more rural parishes”.
He added that he would be making “a very strong argument” for the case in the Council of Ministers, where he holds the role of Assistant Infrastructure Minister.
“It’s a small part of a large programme,” he said, which could serve as a “catalyst” for further change in the Island.
Room to play
Despite some push back to the Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, there was no opposition to a £750,000 payment for two new playgrounds to be built at Parade Gardens, with the current playground described as “outdated”.
The playground will need to receive planning permission before it can be built.
Plans feature a tyre trail, trampoline, climbing dome, and slide for older children. The area for younger children is to include a playhouse, spinning dish, giant rope snake and hammock swing.
Both projects will “make St Helier a better place” for those who live and work there, said Mr Crowcroft.
“That’s the parish system working at its best,” he added. “Very actionable, quick movement and responding to the views of parishioners.”
Rates increase
Rates in St Helier will increase by 5.6% to 1.32 pence per quarter, which Mr Crowcroft stressed was in line with the rate of inflation.
The change equates to a £5.80 annual increase for the occupier of a one-bedroom flat and £22.37 for an owner-occupier of a three-bedroom dwelling.
This comes after a period of eight years during which the rates were not increased – followed by an 8.7% increase last year.
