“STRONG community support” for revised plans to transform the Waterfront has been welcomed by the Jersey Development Company after more than two-thirds of respondents to an independent survey said they were satisfied with the latest proposals.
The survey – carried out by research agency 4insight – garnered 2,190 participants following its launch in November, when JDC chief executive Lee Henry outlined the States-owned development company’s updated plans for the area.
The JDC’s vision includes new residential units as well as a new cinema, outdoor pool and landscaped gardens alongside other community and leisure facilities.
At the time, the JDC described the latest proposals as having addressed “a number of issues” raised when the previous iteration of the scheme was refused by a panel of politicians in September 2023.
Previous concerns included questions around the scheme’s ability to connect the area with the rest of St Helier – with “a largely untamed highway” separating the Waterfront from 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.
But Mr Henry explained that Route de la Libération would offer “improved connectivity” in the updated plans, which include the retention of an underpass link for pedestrians and cyclists and a new landscaped bridge.
Additionally, he said that the site layout had been reviewed, with buildings “reorientated to provide better views”, while the scale and mass of the development is due 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.
Of those who took part in the survey, 71% said they were satisfied.
Only a third of respondents agreed the proposals could support the ambition of attracting more tourists, though 4insight noted this figure was higher among under-25s.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Mr Henry said: “We are really pleased to see such strong community support for the Waterfront development proposals. This feedback underscores the importance of designing a space that is accessible, connected and which provides amenities for all age groups.”
He added: “We will continue to engage with the community to ensure the Waterfront becomes a place for everyone to enjoy.”
Dorothy Parker, co-founder and director at 4insight, said the research had achieved “an excellent sample size” covering “a great demographic mix”.
“It was particularly good to see significant numbers of both young Islanders and the Portuguese community taking part, as surveys are often very low on responses from these groups,” she added.
“Designing and conducting the survey completely independently to our professional standards gives more honest responses and it was interesting to see the high ratings achieved for these latest proposals (71% satisfaction) compared to some surveys we conduct as a local engagement and research specialist organisation.”
A detailed application for the first phase of the scheme is expected to be submitted next month.
