20 February 2014
The public will be able to find out of about plans for St Helier Marina, including the removal of the old linkspan bridge and improvements to pontoon berths alongside Albert Pier.
The Port of Jersey is holding a drop-in session from 5pm to 7.30pm next Tuesday (25 February) in the Westward Room at St Helier Yacht Club. Islanders will be able to get more information ask questions of the project management team.
Linkspan bridge
The linkspan bridge provides access to two pontoon berths that are primarily used as visitor and ‘holding’ berths for marine leisure vessels in St Helier Harbour. It also provides access to the RNLI lifeboat and the pleasure vessel owned by South Coast Cruises. Engineering inspections have confirmed that the linkspan bridge is at the end of its serviceable life, beyond economic repair and must be removed; as a temporary measure its use is currently limited to pedestrians and light vehicles only.
The work follows a feasibility study undertaken in 2012 on behalf of the Port of Jersey by Marina Projects Ltd, which considered the operational needs of the various user groups in the area, including the RNLI, and options for future development. The preferred scheme now being taken forward involves:
- the removal of the linkspan bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in its place
- improved visitor / waiting pontoons along the length of the berths
- an improved facility for both the RNLI and South Coast Cruises.
The removal of the old linkspan will also release the southwest corner of St Helier Marina for a potential future project involving additional berthing.
Group Capital Projects Manager on behalf of Ports of Jersey, David Tisdale, said “We recognise a number of factors in and around St Helier Marina and the Albert Pier require addressing to ensure the safety of people using the area and that long-term business operations are not compromised. In addition, redevelopment of this area presents us with a future opportunity to enhance our marine leisure operation with the introduction of new improved facilities.”
Tender for contract
The Port of Jersey will launch a tender process in April 2014, and the successful contractor is expected to be appointed during the summer so that work can start in the autumn and be completed in time for the 2015 Barclays Jersey Boat Show in May.
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