THE shelters along St Aubin’s Bay could be transformed into colourful “visual treats” under a proposal seeking support from local businesses.
Islander Jenny Yettram wants to see the shelters painted in a range of colours to make the promenade more “cheerful”.
“They’re amazing structures,” she said. “I just think they could be so much more.”
Her idea has won the backing of local artist Ian Rolls, who described it as “brilliant”.
Jersey Property Holdings, the government’s property management arm, has confirmed it is open to exploring and working with the pair on their proposal.
However, with no government funding currently available, the duo are seeking support from local businesses.
Mr Rolls said: “Although quite modest structures in themselves, they have a nostalgic element which recalls relaxed seaside promenading from Victorian times to now.
“They have so much potential, which is not being realised. Painted in different carefully chosen colours, they could become a visual treat as one drives along the Avenue or cycles along the cycle lane but particularly as one walks along the promenade.
“As an artist I completely love colour in the landscape, whether natural or man-made.”
Mr Rolls said the shelters could recall the colourful beach huts found in British and French seaside resorts, as well as the fishermen’s huts at Rozel and Bonne Nuit, which he described as “local icons”.
“So often in our western culture we lack the confidence to use strong colour in buildings, whether inside or out, and so often opt for cream, white, grey or black, for fear of getting it wrong,” he said.
The pair also hope the shelters could be used for community events, including a walking car-boot sale stretching between the structures or an outdoor art exhibition along the promenade.
Mr Rolls suggested that local businesses could sponsor the painting and ongoing maintenance of individual shelters, with each displaying a sign recognising its sponsor. The cost of sponsorship is currently being established.
Anyone interested in supporting the project can contact Mrs Yettram at jayettram@icloud.com.
