Will radical ideas help St Helier?

Thursday 17 April 2014

Jersey’s Planning Minister wants to see more high-rise buildings and at least one iconic building as part of his plans to regenerate St Helier over the next 25 years.

But what do you think needs to be done to make the Island’s capital a better place to live and work?

The Environment department are holding a series of workshops and seminars during the summer as part of the Future St Helier project and want to hear your views on how town should be developed over the next few decades.

Speaking at last week’s Jersey Chamber of Commerce lunch Deputy Rob Duhamel said: “Given the challenges our Island faces with a growing and ageing population, and our wish to protect our coast and countryside, we need to turn our strategic focus on St Helier.

“We must explore all options to develop our town and support the Island’s future success, while better meeting the needs of those living and working in our capital. This will involve making some tough decisions and looking at opportunities that some may think too radical.”

Deputy Duhamel’s ideas for St Helier include:

• better quality and more flexible urban living standards

• greener spaces inside and outside of buildings

• better connectivity and walking areas within town

• higher buildings in St Helier

• reacting to changes in retail trends and shopping districts

• adapting the movement of vehicles, cycles and pedestrians within St Helier

• developing urban gardens and community farms

• the need for Jersey to have one or more iconic buildings

• re-establishing town communities and districts

• redefining and protecting the town boundaries

• creating green and open spaces on the outskirts of town

• reviewing the layout and purpose of our town harbours

• exploring opportunities to make better use of the La Collette area

 You can also share your ideas on re-vamping St Helier on Twitter using #futuresthelier