The approval of a major new hotel by the airport has been hailed as a “genuinely significant moment” for Jersey’s tourism industry, with leaders saying it signals a shift in how tourism is valued at the highest levels.
The Jersey Hospitality Association said this afternoon that this morning’s green light for the 155-bed Strive hotel was evidence of a broader change in political and planning priorities.
A “genuinely significant moment”
“This is a genuinely significant moment for Jersey’s visitor economy,” the association said.
“It represents not just the approval of a major project, but a clear shift in how our industry is being understood and prioritised within planning and economic decision-making.”
The five-storey hotel, which will be built near the Airport in St Peter, was unanimously approved by the Planning Committee this week after an earlier version was rejected.
The scheme – which includes a conference centre and swimming pool – had already attracted strong backing from organisations including Visit Jersey, the Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Business, all of whom stressed its importance to the Island’s tourism offering.
But the hospitality body said the tone of the political debate itself marked a turning point.
“The discussion and comments from the [Planning] Committee placed strong emphasis on the importance of supporting the visitor economy, recognising it as a key pillar of the Island’s future economic growth and diversification,” it said.
“There was also clear acknowledgement that this needs to be reflected in the development of the next Island Plan.”
The association said the decision reflected years of work to reposition tourism as a key area of focus for the island, and would send a strong signal to any potential investors.
“This decision reflects the cumulative work that has been undertaken over recent years to reposition the visitor economy as a strategic priority,” it added.
“It is a positive signal for investment confidence and for the future direction of the Island.”
Summing up the mood within the sector, it said: “The dial has moved a little more – a very important step forward.”
“Confidence in Jersey remains strong”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham also welcomed the development – which will bring an reported £55m in private investment – adding: “At a time of global uncertainty, projects of this scale demonstrate that confidence in Jersey remains strong.”
“Government will continue working with industry and investors to ensure the Island remains competitive, welcoming and forward-looking,” he added.
The five-storey H-shaped stepped building – including a conference centre and a 15m swimming pool – hadoriginally been rejected due to its size.
After revised plans were submitted, it received outline planning approval at today’s meeting of the Planning Committee, meaning that its dimensions now have formal backing, with all detailed designs to be agreed at a later date.
The building will be 20.7m at its very highest point, which is two boxed-off units of plant machinery on its roof.
Strive managing director Ben Harvey, who leads the team behind the scheme, told Express this morning that he was “very pleased” with the outcome, having come back with a smaller five-storey hotel after the initial refusal.
The project will now move into its next phase, with detailed designs to be brought back to the Planning Committee for final approval.
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