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The Government is set to invest £100 million in upgrading flood defences at Havre des Pas amid concerns that the "ripple effect" of a flood in the area would cost the island £1.3 billion and take two years to address.
The project, set to begin construction in 2028, aims to protect the area from future flooding as sea levels are expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
The £100 million investment figure – equivalent to 10% of the Government's annual income spread over five years – was positioned by the Infrastructure Minister as a crucial preventative measure.
Connétable Andy Jehan said: "It is vital we get on and do this. The ripple effect would be massive."
Pictured: The Infrastructure and Environment department is in the early stages of the development of a Coastal Flood Alleviation Scheme for the Havre des Pas and Greve d’Azette coastal areas, shown in red on the map above. (Government of Jersey)
He warned that a major flood in the area could cost the island £1.3 billion and take two years to address.
The Infrastructure Minister added that rehousing people affected by flooding could fill 10-15% of the island's hotels which would also impact the tourism industry and demand for air links.
The Coastal Flood Alleviation report, published earlier this year, outlined two main options for improving coastal defences: building new defences further out to sea and widening the promenade, or extending the height of existing sea walls.
The first option would mitigate flood risks while promoting "community wellbeing" and supporting "economic regeneration" in the area by creating new amenity space, according to the Infrastructure Department.
Pictured: The Government is set to invest £100 million in upgrading flood defences at Havre des Pas.
Steve Fitzgibbon, Lead Engineer for Coastal Engineering, said that this option could see a promenade that was similar to the seafront at Gorey with well-kept gardens and flowerbeds and up to 15-20 meters in width.
This plan, he added, would see a continuous cycle path, with separate walking and cycling zones, similar to the Aubin's Bay promenade along Victoria Avenue.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and take five years, with most work expected to take place between September and May to minimise disruption to the tourist season.
While sections of the beach may be inaccessible at times due to the works, the team said they would aim to keep disruption to a minimum.
The Havre des Pas area, covering the coast from La Collette to Charrier Corner Slipway, was identified as the most vulnerable area in the Government's Shoreline Management Plan four years ago due to the high level of properties in the area the levels of low land.
Eight other areas including St Aubin's Harbour, First Tower, and La Greve d'Azette were also identified by the Government as areas due for improvements.
Pictured: The Shoreline Management Plan lays out a century-long plan to strengthen Jersey's sea defences.
Elaborating on the specific risks facing the Havre des Pas area, the report explained that houses as far back as Bagot Road could be vulnerable to flooding in the event of a major storm.
Currently, 350 properties are at risk from a 1-in-200-year flood event, with this number projected to increase to around 1,000 by 2120.
According to Government data, sea levels are rising by approximately 6mm per year – potentially increasing to 9mm per year by 2070. This could result in a sea level rise of 0.82m by 2120.
The Government said that "at this level, many of our sea defences would struggle to provide protection against flooding".
Community engagement with Havre des Pas residents began last month.
Over 50 islanders have taken part in a series of workshops so far.
Mr Fitzgibbon said that feedback has been "99% positive", with the primary issue raising being privacy concerns about the public being able to see into people's gardens.
Pictured: The risk posed by still water flooding.
The Infrastructure Minister added that the consultation process would be ongoing throughout the whole process.
Constable Jehan said: "The engagement work is vital. We need to work with the community to understand their concerns."
He added: "I am quite excited by the work the team has done.
"We often take for granted our safety, but over 1,000 homes are impacted by the scheme, so there is vital work to be done."
The Infrastructure Department is urging Havre des Pas residents and businesses to participate in future workshops and to share their concerns, priorities, and desired improvements for the coastal area.
The final workshop of the initial stage of the engagement process will be held on 16 July at Société Jersiaise.
Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.
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