PLANS for a memorial and garden at Haut du Mont – designed with input from the family members of those who died following the tragic explosion two and half years ago – have been unveiled and will soon be submitted for planning permission.
Architect Barry Freeman has described the plans as “one of the most heartfelt and important things” he has worked on in his 33-year career.
The government has said that family members of the ten people who died and those who lost their homes in the explosion in December 2022 have been “closely involved” in the design and features of the garden, which will be built at the site on Pier Road.
The garden will feature an area where the names of those who died will be captured on
seating and separate quiet places where people can sit, reflect and look at the view across St Aubin’s Bay.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Karlene McGinness – whose mother Kathy died following the explosion – said: “We’re really pleased that the plans for the memorial site are now progressing.
“Our mum’s home always had an incredibly welcoming and warm feel, which was reflective of the loving, happy, and caring person that she was. So it’s important to us that the memorial site has personal elements which can reflect the kind of person that she was.”
Among the details suggested by the families and former residents are the inclusion of the favourite flowers of those who died and a separate play area for young children.
Ms McGinness said: “There’s clearly been a lot of thought given to making sure the design and details have a personal feel, and we’re pleased with that.”
She continued: “We hope that once it’s in place, it’ll be a pleasant space where we can go to reflect, remember our mum, and reminisce with our family and her friends about all the good times.
“Our mum loved nothing more than playing with her grandchildren. It will certainly be a place we’ll go with our children to play, talk about all our lovely memories of her, and keep her memory alive.”
Residents Peter Bowler (72), Raymie Brown (71), Romeu and Louise De Almeida (67 and 64 years), Derek and Sylvia Ellis (61 and 73 years), Ken and Jane Ralph (72 and 71 years) and 62-year-old Billy Marsden died in the blast at Pier Road in December 2022.
Kathy McGinness (73), who lived in an adjacent block at Haut de Mont, was injured as a result of the explosion and died at the General Hospital on Christmas Day that year.
The government owns the land on which the memorial and garden is being
built, while the rest of the site is owned by Andium Homes who are currently
refurbishing the remaining properties.
