CM ‘climb-down’ on Liberation Square plans

Tuesday 21 May 2019

The Chief Minister has pledged to modify the plans to merge Liberation Square and the Weighbridge following public outcry over the cost and potential impact on traffic flow.

In what is a significant climb-down from the original intention to entirely extinguish the Esplanade link road between the two squares, Senator John Le Fondré has released a statement promising that the area will receive some less costly attention ahead of Liberation 75 without affecting traffic.

However, the statement is not a complete abandonment of plans to revamp the area. Senator Le Fondré insists: "In comparison to Weighbridge Place, Liberation Square needs some attention in order to bring it, and the surrounding area, back up to a standard of which we can be proud."

£3million was earmarked for the plans to make one large public realm space from the two squares and the idea was brought as a way of marking the ‘milestone’ anniversary of 75 years since Jersey was freed from Occupation, which is coming up in 2020.

Pictured: Preliminary sketches were released showing the ambitious revamp for the area.

The proposals, which had a hand from the Bailiff, got as far as public consultation before being met with a barrage of business backlash and public outcry regarding the impact it could have on traffic and access.

The plans were also dubbed a "vanity project" by Deputy Jeremy Maçon, who launched a bid to halt the project. On this development, Deputy Maçon said: "Working behind the scene with the Chief Minister and Infrastructure Minister. I’ve convinced them to reject joining of the squares on a permanent basis and to explore other options. The traffic implications would have been horrendous.”

The Deputy also thanked members of the public and the Chamber of Commerce for speaking out against the project.

He continued: "Given the undertakings now provided I do not feel the need to have my proposition debated as its effect has already been achieved. However, it was worthwhile lodging my proposition as it provided the political pressure to focus minds on this matter.”

Published yesterday afternoon, the Chief Minister's statement emphasises the importance of Liberation Day for Jersey and the significance of the upcoming 75^th anniversary. 

Pictured: It emerged that the Bailiff had some input in the controversial plans.

Holding firm that he “still believe[s] this project has merit” and that “well-designed public realm and open spaces play a vital role in creating better places that enrich the local community”, the Chief Minister’s statement appears to pose a ‘compromise’ on the plans 

He continues: “Nonetheless, both myself and Deputy Kevin Lewis, as Minister for Infrastructure, have listened to the feedback we have received from the public about the existing proposed scheme, and in particular about perceptions of both the cost and the traffic impact of the proposals, and we have decided to revisit the scheme to address public concerns.

“I have also asked that any improvements to Liberation Square be developed in the context of the wider vision for improving the quality of place and connectivity in St. Helier,” Senator Le Fondré adds.

Pictured: The proposals included a a pétanque court, an events plaza and a serpentine.

The Chief Minister says “some improvements to the square, but ensuring that traffic flow, particularly at peak times, is not impeded, and that costs are significantly lower. We believe that creating a space that can be better used for significant events, or during particular times in holiday periods, will have a very real and long term benefit to the urban area.” 

It is not clear from Senator Le Fondré’s statement – which was agreed by the Infrastructure Minister, St. Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft and even previous opposer Deputy Maçon – how the costs will be kept down or what specific improvements will be made as an alternative to the divisive proposals.

Read the full statement by clicking here.