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New Square to strengthen links with New Jersey

New Square to strengthen links with New Jersey

Wednesday 06 June 2018

New Square to strengthen links with New Jersey

Wednesday 06 June 2018


Any islander saying they come from Jersey when abroad will be ready for the usual "what, in the US?" response. But now it looks like connections between the two 'Jerseys' are going to get a bit closer, with a new £1 million square at the International Finance Centre being named after the capital of the American state.

The St. Helier Constable, Simon Crowcroft, who sits on the Regeneration Steering Group, suggested the name of 'Trenton Square' for the new space, which is due to be officially opened in the autumn.

 It will be nestled at the corner of Buildings 3, 5 and 6 at the IFC. Guarda, the landscape architecture practice which was appointed to work on the detailed design of the square, described it as the, "...key entrance to St. Helier from the harbour and the waterfront...It forms an important link between the town centre and the seafront parks and beaches."

"The design references the style and character of the surrounding buildings and the wider island environment and also provides a sophistication and quality appropriate for this important financial hub."

Trenton Square will include access for food vans as well as a picnic triangle with timber picnic tables and benches. It will also be planted with a number of trees which have apparently been selected to, "...withstand and thrive in the harsh maritime climate." Finally, a 'Green Street' will be built between Building 3 and 6.

Trenton Square Aerial View Guarda Landscape

Pictured: An aerial view of Trenton Square, designed by Guarda Landscape.

Constable Crowcroft told Express: "I suggested Trenton Square because this new Square is a major new space in the capital of St. Helier. There is a clear link with Trenton the capital of New Jersey."

As the Constable explained, the link between the island and the US state goes way back. During the English Civil War, Jersey remained loyal to the British Crown and gave refuge to Charles II. When he came to divide the North American lands, Charles II granted the land that would become New Jersey to two friends who had been loyal to him. One of them was the island's governor during the Civil War, Sir George Carteret.  

Lee Henry, the Managing Director of the Jersey Development Company, noted: "Constable of St, Helier Simon Crowcroft was keen to link Jersey with New Jersey and celebrate the Island’s history by naming the new public square “Trenton Square."

New_Jersey_State_House Trenton

Pictured: The New Jersey State House in Trenton.

Constable Crowcroft put forward the idea after returning from a visit to Trenton in 2014. He attended the 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey and was invited to make a speech at the State of New Jersey Legislature. He hopes that the naming of the square will take the links between Jersey and New Jersey forward.

"Maybe the decision to name the square will be reciprocated by the naming of a public place in Trenton. Something like 'St. Helier Plaza.' That would be the appropriate thing to happen. The Mayor of Trenton is up for election in July so we have to wait after this to discuss it.

"We have nevertheless sent an invitation to the Mayor's office to ask them to be present at the inauguration of the square in the autumn."

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