A St Brelade Deputy is calling for the “neglected” Les Quennevais precinct to get the attention and investment it needs to become a vibrant second retail hub for Jersey.
Deputy Helen Miles’ three-part proposition asks States Members to include Les Quennevais in the Future-Fit Retail Roadmap, create a detailed improvement plan for the area as part of the West of Island Planning Framework, and make the regeneration of Les Quennevais a regular agenda item for the Regeneration Steering Group.
She explained that the Les Quennevais parade and precinct is run-down and neglected, with many units sitting empty.
Deputy Miles said: “This area has long been described as looking tired, but as the years pass by that is becoming an increasingly generous description.
“The parade and precinct are now in a very poor state and are showing the effects of years of neglect from a seemingly disinterested commercial landlord and beneficial owner.
“This is having an increasingly negative effect on the area, and the people living here, and efforts must be made to address it.”
The parade and precinct are now in a very poor state and are showing the effects of years of neglect from a seemingly disinterested commercial landlord and beneficial owner
deputy helen miles
She emphasised that her proposition “makes no criticism” of the Les Quennevais businesses and residents, adding that “they are being let down just as much as anyone else”.
“A proactive landlord working with businesses and residents, supported by the parish and Government, is the recipe needed to deliver those improvements,” explained Deputy Miles.
If her proposition is approved, the government’s Future-Fit Retail Roadmap will be updated to specifically include the regeneration of Les Quennevais as the island’s second retail hub. If agreed, the Economic Development Minister must start the work needed to make this happen by the end of 2025.
Deputy Miles also wants Les Quennevais parade and precinct to be added to the already approved West of Island Planning Framework, and be given a proper regeneration plan. She is calling for the Environment Minister to begin the necessary steps by March 2026.
The regeneration of Les Quennevais will also become a regular agenda item for the Regeneration Steering Group, if politicians back her proposition.
Deputy Miles said that consideration should be given to options which would enhance the area, which could include the taxpayer-owned States of Jersey Development Company buying and redeveloping all of shops there.
The St Brelade Deputy concluded: “Les Quennevais is a large and growing suburban population area and retail centre, and current policy is to continue that growth trend. This now needs to be reflected in wider strategies, policy, and action.
“That is the purpose of this proposition – to put what has become a forgotten and neglected part of the island back at the centre of our attention and focus and make Les Quennevais a key part of the discussions that are happening now for island regeneration.”
