Memorial garden and housing "likely" to feature at Haut du Mont site

Tuesday 20 February 2024

Both a memorial garden and housing is "likely" feature at the site of the Pier Road explosion which claimed the lives of 10 islanders, according to the Housing Minister.

Deputy Sam Mézec revealed in a written answer to former Housing Minister David Warr that “consideration is ongoing” about the future of the site at Haut du Mont.

Last September, former Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf signed an order for the demolition of the most severely damaged blocks of flats left standing following the explosion in the early hours of 10 December 2022, which claimed the lives of 10 Islanders.

Deputy Warr, who now sits on the backbenches, asked whether steps had been taken to bring the vacant homes near the site back into use following the partial demolition – and when these would be occupied.

In his response, Deputy Mézec said: "As the Deputy is aware during his time as Housing Minister, and as a member of the Political Oversight Group for Major Incidents, consideration is ongoing in relation to the future of this site.

"We are in the process of formulating ideas, in partnership with Andium Homes, which are likely to include both a memorial garden and housing.

"Further details will be made available once these have been discussed with the new Government and, more importantly, with the displaced residents and bereaved families."

Pictured: the blast happened in the early hours of 10 December 2022.

The Political Oversight Group for Major Incidents – which was set up in December 2022 in response to the Haut du Mont tragedy and sinking of the L'Ecume II fishing vessel – has previously recommended that the redevelopment of the site in the future should include a permanent memorial to those who died in the explosion.

In January 2023, benches were placed at a Haut Du Mont memorial site at Mount Bingham, following calls from Islanders.

It is not clear at this stage whether the area will remain in place.

Pictured: it is unclear whether the current memorial area at Mount Bingham will continue to be used as part of a memorial.

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft was among those to call for a permanent tribute, following discussions with parishioners.

States police announced last August that three people have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the explosion.