But early this morning, Simon Crowcroft announced plans to get both the People’s Park and First Tower Park taken off of it.
He argues the States have already decided not to build the new hospital on a public park, and so to include two on the shortlist now, is a “cynical ploy” to narrow the list down to Ministers’ preferred sites – thought to be Overdale, and the current site – instead.
“People’s Park has already been ruled out, so it is nonsensical to put it on the list, and that is just not going to happen. It looks like a cynical ploy to whip up a storm around these two parks, to distract attention and get their preferred sites through.
“It’s a waste of resources, why not spend the resources on those which have a realistic chance of getting through?”
Pictured: First Tower Park, one of Ministers’ chosen sites for the new hospital. (Google)
Constable Crowcroft argues that putting the new hospital on First Tower Park will affect:
- “people who live in the First Tower area;
- children who attend First Tower school;
- worshippers of St Andrew’s Church;
- people who value Jersey’s rich archaeological heritage (the Ville es Nouaux Neolithic dolmen);
- people whose loved ones are remembered by the many memorial trees planted around the park; and
- people who use First Tower Park for their daily exercise and recreation.”
He is asking the States to force Ministers to take the Park off the list.
“It is regrettable that the Government of Jersey does not appear to understand the value of public parks despite the many debates that have taken place in recent years and despite decisions by the States Assembly over the years not only to protect those parks which we have but also to add to the quality and quantity of public green space in the island.
“In putting forward a short list of potential sites for Jersey’s new hospital that includes People’s Park, the Government is attempting to disregard the decision of the States Assembly taken last year on 13th February (P.5/2019, Amendment) which specifically rules this out.”
Pictured: the People’s Park, which the States have already decided not to use for the hospital, but which is apparently back on the list.
News of the controversial hospital project’s shortlist of sites follows news last month that Spanish firm FCC will be teaming up with St. Helier-based ROK to design and build it.
The Madrid-based company operates in more than 25 countries and has built hospitals in Northern Ireland, Majorca and Spain. It is also behind the building of the new Les Quennevais School, Jersey’s Police Headquarters, and the redevelopment of College Gardens.
FCC’s joint venture with ROK – resulting in a new Jersey company called ROK FCC.
The partnership will help design the new hospital, submitting a full planning application by autumn 2021.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, will be making a statement before the States Assembly on the topic this afternoon and taking questions from States Members.
Follow Express for updates…