Islanders out west to have their say on controversial new financial quarter

Saturday 16 May 2015

A St Brelade deputy describes it as an “ expensive white elephant” and now his parishioners can have their say on the controversial plans to develop the Esplanade Quarter.

Deputy Montfort Tadier is holding a parish meeting on Wednesday evening to see whether his constituents think it’s a good idea or not to build 470,000 sq.ft of office space on the site.

The meeting next Wednesday evening at Communicare Centre will be a chance to discuss the plans before States members debate them next month.

Deputy Tadier said some have already said the States should not be acting as a speculator, when new offices are already being built by the private sector, and others have been questioning its financial viability in the longer term.

He said: “I am open-minded, but like many, at present I am unconvinced. The States do not have a good track record when it comes to development in this part of St Helier. We already have a vacant nightclub at the Waterfront, and a disused swimming pool at For Regent.

“I do not want to stand back and see another expensive white elephant built when we have an opportunity to reconsider if the current plans represent best use and public value for the site.”

Parishioners will get to vote for or against the plans at the end of the meeting and Deputy Tadier hopes their views will feed into the States debate on 16 June along with the views of other Islanders.

He said: “This is a significant decision and it is important that we get it right. I hope that other deputies or constables in other will hold own meetings and listen to their constituents to better inform the forthcoming debate.”

The meeting starts at 7pm.