WATCH: What has changed in the new multi-million Waterfront plan?

Wednesday 06 November 2024

The public's developer has unveiled a new vision for the Waterfront area after reviewing the five key reasons its proposals were previously refused planning permission – and is now seeking feedback from the public.

Express looks at the previous vision from the States of Jersey Development Company, and what's being suggested now...

What was the previous vision and why was it refused?

An application to develop a large area of reclaimed land – from Aquasplash to West Park – was submitted by the public-backed Jersey Development Company last year.

It involved building close to a 1,000 homes as well as a new leisure complex, arthouse cinema, parks, a lido pool, restaurants, bars and new slipway.

Pictured: The plans were a major redevelopment of the St Helier Waterfront.

But the idea was thrown out in September 2023 in a decision made by then-Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf and his Assistant Minister at the time, Deputy Hilary Jeune, as well as Planning Committee chair Philip Le Sueur.

Issues raised with the previous scheme included concerns over its ability to connect to St Helier – with “a largely untamed highway” separating the Waterfront from the rest of town – as well as the layout of the new homes, the provision of affordable housing and the excavation of contaminated waste to create basement parking.

Why was it refused?

The key reasons for refusal were:

• The proposed development would fail to achieve the community expectation of reconnection between St Helier and the Waterfront.

• The application does not demonstrate how it will achieve good quality housing and living conditions. Most of the proposed flats are likely to be single aspect, many would be facing a noisy road and some would have poor aspects due to facing tall buildings at close proximity.

• The application provides insufficient improvements to La Route de la Liberation, leaving a largely untamed highway that separates the waterfront from the rest of town.

• The proposed development involves substantial excavation to create basement areas for parking and servicing. This would produce contaminated waste for which there is no satisfactory waste management solution.

• The proposed level of affordable housing represents a low level of provision.

What's the new vision?

JDC says it has since worked with Government to resolve these matters, and asked the public for their views, allowing it to bring forward revised proposals, which have been shared for the first time today.

They said the public's feedback was "primarily focused on ensuring the retention of key amenities such as a cinema, the AquaSplash swimming pool, as well as improving pedestrian access to and from Town".

As such, the proposals for what JDC describe as "phase 1" feature a "redesigned Les Jardins de La Mer, including an expansive lawn, soft landscaping, and a new children’s water jet play area".

An outdoor swimming pool is also proposed, which JDC says would include "supporting amenities, such as a café, sauna, and changing facilities".

"The proposed pool, potentially with eight lanes 25m or 50m long, would be suitable for lane swimming, water polo, and competitive events, as well as children’s play and leisure activities."

Aquasplash is due to be retained.

Video: JDC lays out its new vision for the Waterfront.

CEO Lee Henry noted that States Members had approved a proposition from Deputy Helen Miles which stated that 50% of homes in future residential developments at the Waterfront should be allocated to those buying property for the first time, using assisted-purchase schemes. The exact number of homes proposed is yet to be confirmed.

He also said that that Route de la Libération would see improved connectivity – including the retention of an underpass link for pedestrians and cyclists and a new landscaped bridge.

The site layout will also change, with building positions moved to provide better views, while the scale and mass of the development is also to be revised in a formal pre-application process with the planning department. The extent of the basements has also been reduced to minimise the amount of excavated material.

“The vision is to create a destination Waterfront that is well-designed and landscaped and offers activities for both the local community and visitors, while providing new residential accommodation aimed at first-time buyers and right-sizers," Mr Henry said.