27 September 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
The Policy and Resources Committee is proposing that a new, high-level Task Group should be established to create a master plan for St Helier. Following the outcomes of a recent stakeholder workshop, Policy and Resources wants to establish a more integrated approach to St Helier’s development, which includes relaunching Centre Ville. The aim is to create a coordinated strategy for short and longer term development plans, both in the existing town and on the Waterfront.
The announcement comes in the Committee’s response to proposals to establish a trust to take forward the development of the Town Park. P&R President Senator Frank Walker said: “The Committee firmly believes that the revitalisation of Centre Ville will make an important contribution both to the environment and the business landscape of St Helier. Any significant developments in the life of the town will need to fit in with the wider development of St Helier and the Waterfront. For the Town Park, this means that the full range of funding proposals should be considered by the States before any decision is made – we believe the first step is to reappraise our options and this starts with establishing a high-level task group, incorporating a renewed Centre Ville and working closely with WEB.”
At a workshop arranged by P&R to discuss the St Helier Waterfront development proposals earlier this month, the view was strongly expressed that there should be a more coordinated approach to looking at the development needs of St Helier as a whole, and to have a clear vision for the future as the Waterfront proposals take shape.
Senator Walker said: “It is following this workshop that we have taken steps to better coordinate developments in town and form a master plan for St Helier as a whole. It is vital that any future decisions include the newly appointed Chief Minister, the Planning and Environment Minister, the Transport and Technical Services Minister, the Constable of St Helier and the Chairman of Centre Ville.
“In this way, we will see that the wider interests of St Helier are properly addressed. We need to ensure that the development of the Waterfront and the regeneration of the existing town happen in tandem, and within the context of the Island’s changing economic strategy. The Town Park scheme must fit in with this overall vision which aims to give Jersey a high international profile, particularly for tourism and commerce. St Helier must suffer no longer from a piecemeal approach to its development.”
In order to move things forward, the Task Group will be set up in the next couple of weeks, and will consist of the Presidents of P&R and E&PS, together with the Constable of St Helier. It is proposed that the group will consult on a master plan and bring a report to the States in the next 12 months.
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Senator Frank Walker, President, Policy and Resources. Telephone 603401.
Bill Ogley, Chief Executive, Policy and Resources. Telephone 603401.
gov.je