24 November 2017
As part of the Future St Helier pedestrianisation project that is nearing completion at Charing Cross, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) will be removing and adding trees in the area.
DfI will be adding a new tree, a fastigated oak, in a planter to the area behind the toad sculpture at Charing Cross.
Also, there have been problems with the two lime trees outside the supermarket at the junction of Castle Street and Charing Cross. They produce a lot of sap, which covers the paving and bench below and has led to issues with sap getting on to people's clothes.
Having consulted with the States Arboricultural Officer, DfI is taking the opportunity to replace these trees with a more suitable fastigiated oak and a cherry tree. The limes will be removed on Sunday 26 November 2017.
An additional three cherry trees in raised planters will be added to the area on the other side of the Castle Street and Charing Cross junction.
These and the other replacement and new trees will be planted in the near future.
Charing Cross (the cut from Broad Street to Sand Street) is a main walking route and an important link for cyclists between the town centre, car parks, waterfront and financial district.
Pedestrians and cyclists form 93% of the traffic using this narrow road. At lunchtimes, 2,300 people have been counted walking through the cut, compared to fewer than 100 motor vehicles.
It was decided to pedestrianise Charing Cross following a successful trial closure, and DfI has now completed raising the road and paving it in granite setts. The Department has also improved the drainage and street lighting.
The road has been constructed so that limited service and maintenance vehicles will continue to be able to use it in the same way as King Street, but manual rising bollards have been installed to control access.
The unloading bays in Castle Street are now permanent.
DfI is now working to improve the seating and ambience of the area and the inclusion of more trees.
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