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St. Helier needs to have its own ‘food district’ – a vibrant ‘go to’ centre of al-fresco eating and entertainment - according to Visit Jersey.
Making a submission to the bridging Island Plan, which will define development in Jersey until 2023, the body charged with boosting tourism in Jersey has set out its own vision, including the island having a food market like Flat Iron Square in Southwark in London or Amsterdam’s Food Hallen.
Visit Jersey argues: “In terms of enhancing the vitality of St. Helier, we feel that the town centre is lacking a distinctive main cultural, social and experiential quarter in terms of a food district.
“Although there are some distinct areas such as Weighbridge Place, Kensington Place, Royal Square, Market Street and the Central Market, which are home to several eateries, these are all quite disparate and there isn't one overarching, go-to location within the town centre that is regarded as the atmospheric hub for dining experiences.
“An al fresco dining quarter would create a vibrant hub and contribute a unique component to Jersey’s sense of place.”
Pictured: Flat Iron Market, which is near London Bridge and the Shard.
It adds: “Although Weighbridge Place now has some al fresco dining space, the area itself is surrounded by a busy main road and heavy traffic flow.
“An al fresco space that prioritises cyclists and pedestrians with space for outdoor events and entertainment such as busking, live theatre etc would be more effective in creating an area with a real buzz which is recognised as a 'must see' experience for tourists to visit.”
A spokesperson for the organisation added: “The 2017 Product Audit highlighted an opportunity for product enhancement in terms of the revitalisation of the Central Market to include a modern style food market, as the hub of an ‘independents’ quarter."
Pictured: Amsterdam's Food Hallen is in Visit Jersey's mind when it talks about a food hub in St. Helier.
They continued: “Although the Central Market now has more independent eateries, there still isn’t one overarching, go-to location within the town centre that is regarded as the atmospheric hub for dining experiences.
“Jersey could really benefit from a distinctive main cultural, social and experiential food quarter which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“Focal points such as near the harbour/marina, the Central Markets, Weighbridge Place and Fort Regent could all be great locations for this kind of foodie hub.
“These destinations could provide a play to showcase local produce in a range of different eateries and bars."
Pictured: Lisbon's Time Out Hall is another example.
In addition to food and drinks, there could, for example, be live music performances from local artists, which would add to the overall experience and create a distinctly Jersey vibe, according to Visit Jersey.
Many European centres have developed food markets, both indoor and outside, which the tourism promotion body would like to emulate.
These include Lisbon’s Time Out Market, Peckham Levels in south London, Folkestone’s Harbour Arm and Ljubljana’s Open Market in Slovenia.
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