Beachworks

The site was bought by the States of Jersey and gifted to the National Trust for Jersey, with the aim of delivering environmental, cultural, and social benefits for the public. To do this, decisions made regarding the future of the site will be based on understanding the needs of the Jersey community.

Phase 1 of the public consultation process, a public survey, has been completed to date by 2,567 people. This will remain open until the end of the month. Beachworks marks the launch of Phase 2 of the process. This is a series of face-to-face free public workshops, events and discussions. Data from both Phases 1 and 2 will inform the future plans for the café, car park and site.

Sasha Gibb, of Public Voice: Common Ground and London-based artist Jo Pearl will be working with The National Trust for Jersey, local potters and volunteers to deliver Beachworks. Everyone is invited to join the team at the Seaside café in envisioning and co-making a 3D vision for the future of the site. The Ugly Oyster food truck and an ice cream van will be at the site on both days. The car park is now open, and the No. 8 Bus goes from St Helier daily.

Last year, Jo brought her distinctive Earthworks clay public engagement to the Pop-up Park in Weighbridge Place as part of the Public Voice Common Ground pilot: “It’s more creative and fun than a questionnaire. Beachworks will be a highly engaging and playful way to draw out ideas, co-make and envision new possibilities for the future of Grève de Lecq. Participants spend time thinking, discussing and modelling their ideas in clay for how the site could be improved. Not intended as an architectural masterplan, it will instead be an ideas-scape capturing hopes and suggestions from islanders.” Jo Pearl said.

Sasha Gibb added: ‘Working with National Trust for Jersey to deliver the best result for Grève de Lecq is a dream. There is often a misconception that public engagement slows things down, costs more money and achieves nothing. However, asking the right questions of the right stakeholders and creating a proper commission brief based on the problems and aspirations of those on the ground is the secret to delivering the best outcome. This is the same whether the brief is to architects, landscapers, planners, designers or artists – without this data, you’re just guessing.

“The National Trust for Jersey understand the need to make decision based on fact, on multiple perspectives and dares to ask questions they don’t yet know the
answers to. They are at the forefront of cultural, environmental and societal change in Jersey.”

Why Clay?

Because clay is infinitely malleable, can be modelled into any idea, is the natural material found beneath our feet and made into the bricks of the buildings that surround us. It’s a great way to envision the future of Grève de Lecq’s public space.

Who can take part?

Everyone is welcome. Beachworks is suitable for all ages from 3 to 103, and all abilities – although children must be accompanied by an adult. No pottery experience necessary, clay enthusiasts will be on hand to explain or remind us of the basics. Intriguing questions will focus the vision and conversation.

Who is Jo Pearl?

Participants will be in conversation and modelling shoulder to shoulder, with London-based artist Jo Pearl. A ceramic sculptor, Jo came up with this way of working after a previous career as an architectural PR. Jo realised that public engagement for defining planning briefs for projects in the public realm is key to generating appropriate ideas that create a genuine sense of place. Marrying this understanding with her passion for sculpting with clay, lead her to stage clay-based public engagement workshops.

Who is Sasha Gibb?

Sasha Gibb is a local art consultant working in public engagement and public realm. She pioneered the public realm pilot – Public Voice Common Ground, with the aim of improving St Helier’s public realm for people. The pilot was built on effective public engagement with over 2% of the population and delivered through partnerships with government, business, third sector and community. Sasha is now partnering with the National Trust Jersey to realise the best outcome for the public space at Grève de Lecq.