PLANS are being progressed to create more publicly available parking spaces in Havre des Pas in a bid to increase footfall in the area, the St Helier Constable has said.
Simon Crowcroft, who announced last month that he would be stepping down as head of the parish at this summer’s election, said that St Helier officials were be liaising with Andium with the view to using spaces at a nearby housing block.
And, he added that building some underground parking was being considered.
The government outlined plans for coastal defence work designed to protect businesses, public areas, and houses at Havre des Pas, as it is predicted that, by 2040, the area could be at risk of flooding.
A planning application is expected to be lodged late next year, with construction work taking place from 2029.
Mr Crowcroft said: “I’m feeling really positive about Havre des Pas. The 2029 plan will protect lots of vulnerable houses – it’s important that Havre des Pas was the first place to get the multi-million pound shoreline protection. There will also be more public space.”
The Constable added that a lack of parking is the most frequent reason given for people not going to Havre des Pas and admitted that it is a factor in the reduced foot traffic in the area.
“We are looking in to some underground parking.
“Andium created Edinburgh House with parking, which is the light at the end of the tunnel. We would like to liaise with them about that parking being used.
“Havre des Pas still has a good offering for tourists. The seaside festival is popular every year, and there are guesthouses.”
Florin Beclenas, owner of the Wave Restaurant, which opened last February, said he believed more parking could help bring people to the area.
He said: “In 2009 when I first came here, there were more hotels, things were busier – everything has gone down in the last 16 years.
“From our point of view, we would really like a parking space. The nearest parking is quite far away [the La Route de Fort car park].
“[The] police have come before about drivers stopped or parked on the road.
“I think we would be busier if there was parking. Sometimes customers call up, ask where the nearest parking is and then say they are not going to bother.”
He added that in the summer of 2024, Havre des Pas was “full of life”, but that he had noticed a decline in the number of people visiting the area.
“The government has a plan for 2029 and I see a great future in this area,” Mr Beclenas said.
