Over 70% of islanders are “satisfied” with Jersey Development Company’s updated plans to transform the Waterfront, according to a survey of more than 2,000 people.
Carried out by local research agency 4insight, the survey garnered 2,190 participants following its launch in November – when JDC CEO Lee Henry outlined the States-owned development company’s newest plans for the area.
The JDC’s vision for the Waterfront includes new residential units as well as a new cinema, outdoor pool and landscaped gardens alongside other community and leisure facilities.
At the time, the JDC described the latest proposals as having addressed “a number of issues” raised when the previous iteration of the scheme was refused by a panel of politicians in September 2023.
Previous concerns included questions around the scheme’s ability to connect the area with the rest of St Helier – with “a largely untamed highway” separating the Waterfront from town – as well as the layout of the new homes, the provision of affordable housing and the excavation of contaminated waste to create basement parking.
But Mr Henry explained that Route de la Libération would offer “improved connectivity” in the updated plans, which include the retention of an underpass link for pedestrians and cyclists and a new landscaped bridge.
Additionally, he said that the site layout had been reviewed, with buildings reorientated to provide better views, while the scale and mass of the development was also due to be revised in a formal pre-application process with the Planning Department.
The extent of the basements has been reduced to minimise the amount of excavated material.
The key figures…
- Of those who took part in the survey, 71% said they were satisfied.
- Only a third of respondents agreed the proposals could support the ambition of attracting more tourists, though 4insight noted this figure was higher among under-25s (60%).
- 95% of respondents think it’s important to improve connectivity from town to the Waterfront.
- Satisfaction with the proposals was highest among young people aged 16–34, with 80% expressing approval.
- On average, respondents were most satisfied with the ‘parking’ and ‘improved connectivity’ features of the proposal, scoring 7.9/10.
- The majority of respondents reported using the current cinema (71%), car parking (63%) and food and beverage outlets (54%).
- Respondents also showed interest in the proposed new amenities, with 80% likely to use food and beverage facilities, 77% interested in the new cinema provision, 64% public gardens, 57% outdoor pool, 42% art gallery, 41% AquaSplash and 20% would use the gym.
- 88% of participants, particularly older residents, underlined the significance of opening up views between the new Waterfront buildings and the coast.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Mr Henry said: “We are really pleased to see such strong community support for the Waterfront development proposals.
“This feedback underscores the importance of designing a space that is accessible, connected and which provides amenities for all age groups.”
He added: “We will continue to engage with the community to ensure the Waterfront becomes a place for everyone to enjoy.”
Dorothy Parker, co-founder and director at 4insight, said the research had achieved “an excellent sample size” covering “a great demographic mix”.
“It was particularly good to see significant numbers of both young islanders and the Portuguese community taking part, as surveys are often very low on responses from these groups,” she added.
“Designing and conducting the survey completely independently to our professional standards gives more honest responses and it was interesting to see the high ratings achieved for these latest proposals (71% satisfaction) compared to some surveys we conduct as a local engagement and research specialist organisation.”
A detailed application for the first phase of the scheme is expected to be submitted next month.