THE Jersey Development Company’s revised vision for a major transformation of the Waterfront is now open to public scrutiny – with new plans due to be submitted next year.
Islanders are being invited to take part in a survey on the latest proposals from today until 4 December.
The JDC has said the revised plans, which can be viewed online, “address a number of issues” raised when the previous iteration of the scheme was refused in September 2023.
That unanimous decision was made by then-Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf and his Assistant Minister at the time, Deputy Hilary Jeune, as well as Planning Committee chair Philip Le Sueur.
Issues raised with the previous scheme included concerns over its ability to connect to St Helier – with “a largely untamed highway” separating the Waterfront from the rest of town – as well as the layout of the new homes, the provision of affordable housing and the excavation of contaminated waste to create basement parking.
Outlining some of the changes yesterday, JDC chief executive Lee Henry told the JEP that Route de la Libération would see improved connectivity – including the retention of an underpass link for pedestrians and cyclists and a new landscaped bridge. The site layout has been reviewed, with buildings reoriented to provide better views, while the scale and mass of the development is also to be revised in a formal pre-application process with the planning department. The extent of the basements has also been reduced to minimise the amount of excavated material.
Mr Henry also noted that States Members had approved a proposition from Deputy Helen Miles, that 50% of homes in future residential developments at the Waterfront should be allocated to those buying property for the first time, using assisted-purchase schemes.
The updated proposals include the retention of the Aquasplash facility, a new outdoor pool, cinema, gym, art gallery and cafés and restaurants.
Mr Henry said: “What we have got are very clear reasons for the previous plans not succeeding, which we can use and respond to through this application.
“We know which targets we are trying to hit here, so we have got that clarity.
“We have more confidence and certainly a more settled position with regards to those elements that should enable us to secure consent this time around – fingers crossed.”
In addition to the survey, which can be accessed via the JDC website, a public question-and-answer session is being scheduled for mid-November, with the exact date and time to be announced shortly.
A detailed application for the first phase of the scheme is expected to be submitted in April.
“The vision is to create a destination Waterfront that is well-designed and landscaped and offers activities for both the local community and visitors, while providing new residential accommodation aimed at first-time buyers and right-sizers,” Mr Henry added.
