Jersey could have a museum that rivals the very best in Europe, should plans for an extension to its visitor centre be approved.
Jersey War Tunnels have submitted a planning application to build a 3,000ft climate controlled exhibtion space connected to its existing facilities.
Planning documents say that its current facilities do not allow it to make use of some parts of its collection.
The atmosphere inside the tunnels, planning documents say, are “unsuitable” for some of the “very delicate” items in its collection. Its original Enigma machine, used by the Allies to secretly learn the movements of German U-Boats, for example, cannot be displayed.
The plans add that the new exhibition space could help it achieve museum accreditation and put it “on a par with other European WWII museums such as those in Denmark, Holland and Normandy.”
The proposals show the creation of three long structures topped with corrugated metal. Inside would be the new exhibition space, which extend to create a covered area outside the existing visitor centre.
This would also allow areas for visitors to shield themselves from the rain, and create a suitable gathering point for large groups, like school trips.
The plans also aim to “remove potential bottlenecks” for arriving visitors. It says that currently visitors arriving by bus have to walk on the main road without suitable pathways.
This, documents say, can be dangerous. So, new visitor pathways will be constructed, creating a safer arrival experience.
New parking capacity will be created, along with dedicated spots for elderly and disabled visitors, up to 20 spots for bicycles, and the provision of moped and motorcycle parking.
There will also be a dedicated coach layby for tours to disembark at, allowing for closer access for visitors arriving in this way.
