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From scrapping the Steam Clock, to building a hotel at South Hill, creating walkways over the marinas and another tall building on the Esplanade... the government has released its "vision" for the future of St. Helier.
Islanders are being asked for their opinion on the proposals published this week by the government in the 'Southwest St Helier Planning Framework'.
The document divides the area into ten Key Opportunity Sites (KOSs), which are vacant, in need of improvement, underused, or likely to be re-developed over the short to medium term.
These, the government said, will be key to creating a distinct sense of place and in helping build a vibrant community hub.
Pictured: The Southwest of St. Helier map.
Here are the proposals for each of the KOS...
Pictured: The government wants to encourage more people to visit the IFC area out of office hours.
The government wants to create an “inviting, safe and attractive open space, easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists” to link the Waterfront and town.
New developments around the IFC will be encouraged to include cafés and small retail outlets among others to attract people to the area out of office hours.
The government also thinks the area could house residential or visitor accommodation, or a cultural/leisure facility, as well as a “tall, elegant building of mixed use” - the design of which would be subject to an architectural competition.
Pictured: Leisure and recreational facilities could be built on the western part of the Esplanade.
The government wants more variety in building heights and more public open spaces before any building plots are mapped out.
New constructions will be encouraged to “take their cue” from the historic waterside development at the North of the Esplanade, with relatively narrow gables facing the sea, and narrow lanes or pathways to link open spaces in the site to the sea.
Leisure and recreational facilities as well as small commercial units could be added along with “a significant number of new homes” and some visitor accommodation.
Pictured: The government wants to improve the visual barrier created by the current buildings at the Waterfront.
The government wants the area to be more accessible and the “visual barrier” created by the current buildings to be improved, through new public open space and connections with other public spaces and facilities.
The site could accommodate a “dynamic mix of leisure, recreational and/or sporting facilities.”
Pictured: Capacity will have to increase at Elizabeth Terminal.
Given the operational nature of the site and the volume of traffic generated, opportunities for new or enhanced public realm are limited in the area, the government has said.
It did, however, note that the Elizabeth Terminal will need increased capacity in the near future, as well as an additional berth for larger vessels.
Pictured: Islanders could soon be walking above water.
“Innovative and artistic” pedestrian links could be created across pier heads and, potentially, across the marinas, while a new maritime quarter could be opened at New North Quay if commercial operations are moved.
The government also wants to enhance the piers and improve access to some of St. Helier’s maritime heritage, while opening up view of the sea, heritage assets and other sites of interest.
Pictured: Will the Steam Clock stay or not?
The three sites could be unified into a single space open for social and cultural events - in a similar fashion to plans put forward by the Infrastructure Minister which are due to be modified following public backlash.
Proposals include a better crossing point on la Rue de la Liberation, limited vehicular access on the Esplanade link road and a link with an “enhanced” Steam Clock.
There is also possibility to develop the Steam Clock site, but the government says it would have to respect “the historic harbour-side setting and enhance views of the maritime heritage asset.”
Pictured: La Route de La Liberation could be turned into a boulevard.
The government is proposing to transform the highway into a street or boulevard, with better crossings, hedging and planting in the central bay and more elegant lighting.
Pictured: The road at the front of Commercial Buildings could be moved to the back.
Widening the promenade and cycle corridor along the quayside could encourage a more vibrant use of ground floor units - potentially supporting alfresco dining, shopping and marine leisure related uses.
The government is also considering re-routing the existing road to the rear of Commercial Buildings, potentially within a tunnel to allow for building above.
Pictured: The government wants to improve access to Fort Regent.
The site could provide a new swimming pool and sporting/cultural facilities. The government says it would encourage the use of the Fort and its grounds for short-term uses or events such as concerts, markets and community events to bring life to the areas.
Vehicle and pedestrian access will also have to be improved, possibly through the creation a lift from Snow Hill or some other form of access.
Pictured: The South Hill offices could make way for flats or a hotel.
The old government buildings that previously housed the Planning Department could be turned into flats/or a hotel.
Islanders can share their views on the proposals until 28 September.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy John Young, will then consider the results before adopting the framework as supplementary planning guidance, to complement the Island Plan which is also under review.
“This framework has been developed alongside key stakeholders, including residents and business owners, to ensure that the community aspirations for the development of Southwest St Helier are embedded into new planning guidance,” Deputy Young said. “If adopted, this new guidance will provide a framework against which decisions can be made to deliver an attractive place to live and work and to reconnect the town of St Helier with its waterfront.
“It also seeks to maintain critical traffic movement through and around the area, whilst promoting better connections for pedestrians and cyclists.”
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