FURTHER details on plans intended to transform part of Jersey’s east coast to prevent it from flooding have been revealed in what is described as the biggest project of its kind for over a century.
The proposed Havre des Pas Coastal Flood Alleviation Scheme focuses on the stretch of coastline from La Collette to La Grande Charrière Slipway, which has been identified as the Island’s “highest priority” area in need of enhanced defences against flooding, according to the Infrastructure Department.
In a St Helier Roads Committee meeting at the Town Hall this week, Steve Fitzgibbon, lead coastal engineer, outlined the “leading option” the Department are working on will “advance the line” of Jersey’s perimeter by building two walls over 4ft in height – one on the promenade and the other 10 metres out to sea.
The other options that the government do not plan to consider, Mr Fitzgibbon said, include erecting a four-metre-high wall along the promenade – which would give the needed level of protection from flood risk for over 350 properties.
According to the department, that is the number of homes at risk from a one-in-200-year flood event and, without intervention, the figure could rise to approximately 1,000 properties by 2120 due to a projected rise in sea levels.
The upgraded flood protection focuses on four zones stretching 1,700m; La Collette Gardens, the western and eastern sections of the Havre des Pas promenade and La Greve d’Azette Beach.
Upgrades will also seek to implement public realm improvements, including new promenades, cycle routes and landscaped coastal gardens.
Mr Fitzgibbon, who was joined by associate director of the Infrastructure and Environment Department, Tristen Dodd at the Town Hall, explained that after a consultation period, plans will enter a conceptual design phase before the submission of any formal planning application.
If plans are approved on time, work will commence in 2029 and take four years to complete.
Islanders are being invited to have their say on plans, with a consultation running until 12 September on the gov.je website.
