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Ministers’ commitment to invest in public facilities at the Waterfront - including the possibility of a new art gallery - have prompted St. Helier's Constable to abandon his attempt to pause the major redevelopment.
Constable Simon Crowcroft's bid to halt the States of Jersey Development Company's transformation plan until a Town Masterplan had been agreed by politicians was due to be considered at tomorrow's sitting of the States Assembly.
However, the Constable announced this afternoon that he had taken the decision after receiving a response from the Council of Ministers, which he said had "effectively met the requirements" of his proposition.
In the proposition, originally lodged on 28 February, Constable Crowcroft criticised "relentless development" in the island's capital, which he said was affecting the quality of life of his parishioners.
Ministers' comments highlighted the Government's desire to work with the Jersey Development Company and other interested parties, including St. Helier's Constable. This would include including the right mix of public provisions such as a cinema, pool, and arts, culture and sports facilities, alongside 1,000 units of "much-needed" housing.
JDC's Managing Director, Lee Henry, had previously told Express that he feared agreed housing development targets would be jeopardised if the proposition were to pass.
Constable Crowcroft said this afternoon: "The Council of Ministers’ comments effectively meet the requirements of my proposition by agreeing to the creation of a plan which will include completion of the walking, cycling and parking strategies.
"While I remain concerned about the amount of housing being proposed at present, given how much of the Island's new housing St. Helier is already providing, I am aware that this matter can be raised in the forthcoming planning enquiry."
Pictured: Constable Simon Crowcroft.
The Constable added that he was pleased to note ministers' positive comments about the potential for for an "anchor civic building" at the western end of the site next to the International Finance Centre, such as an art gallery.
The pledge to invest an additional £3 million per years over the next five years into a programme of regeneration projects in the north of St. Helier was also welcome, he added.
Constable Crowcroft's decision to pull his proposal means that amendments put forward by Deputy Sam Mézec - to make all homes built in St. Helier by taxpayer-owned JDC affordable - and Alex Curtis - to ensure the provision of "commercial spaces" in major developments can demonstrate a benefit to the economy - fall away.
It means there is just one item up for debate at this week's States Assembly meeting.
Following Question Time, Members are due to consider a proposition from External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf to update the island's sanctions and asset-freezing laws.
Constable Crowcroft said he wished to apologise to those Members who had already written speeches on his proposition or the two amendments.
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