The People's Park is saved!

Tuesday 23 February 2016

The People's Park has been removed as a potential site for a new hospital.

Just after 12.30 pm, St Helier Deputy Jackie Hilton announced to a packed Royal Square that the Council of Ministers had agreed to support a proposition calling for the park to be taken off the list.

Around 500 people had filled the square to protest ahead of a debate in the Assembly, proposed by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, for the People's Park to be saved from development.

To gasps and then cheers, Deputy Hilton, who had campaigned to protect the park, announced that the Council "had listened to the people".

"When people get together, it can actually work," said Deputy Hilton. "I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition and all of you who came here today. In a short while, States Members will be leaving the Assembly. I want you to give them all a huge cheer, including the Council of Ministers."

The remaining possible sites for the new hospital, which will cost up to £630m and take a decade to build, are the Waterfront, Overdale and its existing site. There is also the possibility of building it over two of the sites.

People's Park decision from Bailiwick Express on Vimeo.