ART students from several schools are decorating the Esplanade underpass link with murals as the Jersey Development Company looks to progress its new vision for the Waterfront – which includes plans for improved connectivity with town.
Year 12 students from Hautlieu School, De La Salle College, Beaulieu Convent School and Highlands College are painting the walls of the underpass link.
The project commenced on Tuesday – the same day that the JDC unveiled its updated proposals for a major transformation of the area, with a detailed planning application for the first phase of the scheme expected to be submitted in April 2025.
Its previous Waterfront plans were refused last year for a number of reasons – including concerns over the scheme’s ability to connect to town.
Among the changes featured within the JDC’s revised vision, which is currently open to public scrutiny via an online survey, is the retention of the underpass link for pedestrians and cyclists and the creation of a landscaped bridge.
The States-owned entity has said the mural initiative will “further enhance the space” and make it “a point of visual interest for passers-by”.
Its chief executive, Lee Henry, added: “JDC is delighted to be collaborating with the art students and we have been thoroughly impressed by the ideas and enthusiasm when they visited the site to discuss the brief.
“It is exciting to give the students an opportunity to showcase their work in this public setting.”
Jamie Cole, the head of art at Hautlieu School, said: “The Hautlieu School Art Department are thrilled to be part of this design outreach initiative by Jersey Development Company to enhance the Esplanade underpass link connecting the Waterfront and town.”
He continued: “A focused team of Year 12 A-level art students took the lead in key decisions about the final design, drawing partly on their vision for the future of the Waterfront area. The design brief helped shape visuals, the colour scheme and motifs integrating key elements of community and public art.
“The students have embraced the project wholeheartedly, and hope to participate in similar projects in the future.”
The mural initiative is due to be completed by 21 November, with vehicle access through the underpass link prohibited between 9am and 4pm on certain days when the students are painting.
Pedestrians and cyclists will still have access to and from Trenton Square.
