DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
PARISH OF ST HELIER APPLICATION FOR USE OF BROAD STREET FOR
SUNDAY MARKET
Purpose of the Report
To obtain a Ministerial Decision regarding approval of road closures, etc. for the purpose of holding a weekly Sunday Market in Broad Street, commencing Sunday 22 May – 18 September
Background
Following positive feedback from the Fête de St Hélier Street Market held in Broad Street during July 2014 and 2015, the Parish of St Helier (the Promoter) has asked the Town Centre Manager to develop plans for a regular Sunday street market that would appeal to both visitors and locals in Broad Street (a road administered by DFI).
It is proposed, subject to Ministerial approval, that the road closures be enabled under Connétables powers (‘Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956: Article 67 (4) & (5) - Temporary traffic restrictions’).
Discussion
The Parish of St Helier has submitted an application requesting permission to use Broad Street to hold a weekly Sunday street market and to close the road for this purpose (please see Map 1).
The event will consist of stalls set up on the highway which will be leased from the promoter. These stalls will provide extra retail space for town traders and traders across the island. The stalls will be a mix of crafts, retail, food and drink.
It has been negotiated with the Parish that all income generated from the sale of stalls will be received by DfI as it is the Highway Authority of the road on which the event is taking place. The proceeds received will be reinvested into public realm projects within the Parish.
It is proposed that Broad Street be closed from 8am until 8pm with the Market open from 10am until 5pm. Traffic will be unable to access Union Street and Dumaresq Street from Charing Cross / Broad Street so will be diverted at Library Place via the Esplanade, Castle Street and Seale Street.
The Promoter has consulted with the Emergency Services and access will be maintained through the site at all times. Taxi Ranks on Library Place will be unaffected.
Disabled Parking
While the Market will involve the loss of the disabled parking layby on Broad Street, there are six remaining disabled spaces and the Disabled Mini Bus spaces on New Street. In addition, Vine Street could be made available for disabled parking if needed.
Buses
The only bus route to be affected will be the outbound leg of the Route 25 which will be diverted via the Esplanade, West Park and Le Route de St Aubin. The diversion will not have a great affect on the bus service due to reduced services on a Sunday. Liberty Bus has been consulted by the promoter about this change.
Streetworks
Given the location of Broad Street, etc. within the central business district, streetwork activity such as building maintenance, exterior cleaning and utility works are often reserved for Sundays (where weekday evening works, etc. are not possible). Accommodation of these types of works will become challenging during the proposed market period and will therefore require the Parish (who would be running the market) to adopt a flexible approach to the area’s management in liaison with DFI.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the road closure and changes to the bus service for the Broad Street Sunday Market, provided the Parish accept the need for a flexible approach to the area’s management when essential streetworks are required.
Reason(s) for Decision
The proposed road closure is reasonable and justified in the light of the positive benefits to the Island.
Resources
None
Action Required
Technical Assistant to forward a copy of the signed Ministerial Decision to the Parish of St Helier.
Written by: | Technical Assistant, Traffic and Infrastructure |
Approved by: | Director, Engineering and Infrastructure |
Attachments: | Map 1 showing extent of market road closures |