The Island of Jersey has been gifted land at Millbrook Playing Fields by a benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Part of the field has been simultaneously given, by the same benefactor, to the adjoining St Matthew’s Glass Church. The land transactions went before the Royal Court on Friday (14 January 2022).
The site was most recently home to the Nightingale Wing, but historically has been an open, grass area. This gift secures the site in perpetuity as a green space.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “On behalf of the people of Jersey, I am delighted to accept this generous gift and give our thanks to the previous owner. It presents us with a wonderful opportunity to create an enlarged park area, connecting with the existing Coronation Park, for all Islanders to enjoy.”
The ambition is to create a landscaped extension of the current park, but the precise design will be determined through a public consultation.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: “This is a prominent green space in Jersey, and to hand its ownership over to the public not only guarantees its future as a place for all Islanders, but is a real example of the philanthropic spirit which exists in our community and how people who put down roots in the Island can contribute in ways which benefit us all, and I would like to add my thanks for such a generous gift to the Island.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Kevin Lewis, added: “I can assure everyone that its use will be as a public park, subject to the relevant planning processes. We’ll be asking Islanders for their thoughts which will then feed into the design process.
“Work is already underway on the neighbouring Coronation Park Water Play Area, which was designed after asking children and parents, in particular, what they wanted it to include. I’m delighted this area at Millbrook has been gifted to the people of Jersey and I look forward to seeing the area become a wonderful space in which Islanders can enjoy their leisure time.”
The north-eastern section of the field now belongs to St Matthew’s Glass Church.
The Reverend Phil Warren, from St Matthew’s Church, added: “We are thrilled to receive this generous gift of land. It will be a wonderful additional outdoor space for our children and youth, church family, and the wider community to enjoy now and for many years to come.”
