A 6-week programme of works to improve passenger facilities in Elizabeth Terminal, St Helier Harbour is currently underway.
The comprehensive works will include the installation of new flooring and lighting in the building as well as some redecoration, re-upholstery of seats and Jersey focused artwork in the main public areas.
A reconfiguration of internal walls will serve to improve the overall flow of departing passengers travelling through central security while the glass panel dome above the main building will be improved to reduce UVA levels, thereby enhancing the overall ambience in the terminal. These enhancements have been developed through consultation with the facility’s main customers, Condor Ferries and Customs & Immigration.
Business volumes through Elizabeth Terminal have declined over recent years and the facility does not generate sufficient income to commercially justify this level of investment. Funding was to be directed to the project as a result of a small price increase for passengers, amounting to £0.20 per passenger. CICRA did not approve this proposal. However, given the history of under investment in Elizabeth Terminal, Ports of Jersey believe it is important to proceed with these improvements and have diverted investment from other areas of the business to fund this works project. Ports of Jersey hopes to reach an understanding with CICRA in respect of this investment.
Ports of Jersey has invested in additional equipment with the aim of expanding the selection available to customers and introduce a greater range of hot and cold dishes, including pizzas, Paninis, sandwiches and salads
Ports of Jersey acknowledges that the former café facility at the Elizabeth Terminal has remained inoperative for far longer than it had originally been anticipated. Although plans to create a new facility, which had been developed alongside a local restaurateur, had reached an advanced stage; it ultimately proved difficult to conclude acceptable commercial arrangements. Consequently, Ports of Jersey was keen to identify an alternative partner with the ability and expertise to create a suitable offering in early course.
After exploring various proposals and ideas, Ports of Jersey has reached a formal agreement with Casual Dining Group (CDG) for the provision of future catering and refreshment facilities at Elizabeth Terminal. The operator, which took over the running of the current catering facility at Elizabeth Terminal in January 2018 already operates the Bella Italia restaurant in St Helier as well as the food and beverage provision at Jersey Airport, following a successful competitive tender process in 2017.
The design plans, for the new eatery will see the creation of a restaurant and bar facility based upon CDG’s existing and successful “Ale & Coffee House” concepts, two of which have recently opened at Heathrow Airport. The new eatery will focus on delivering an all-day offering, featuring high-quality food and refreshments. Work has already started on its planned development and subject to planning approval, work is due to begin in autumn 2018 and is expected to be complete by spring 2019.
Doug Bannister, Group CEO for Ports of Jersey says, “We recognise that the passenger experience at Elizabeth Terminal has suffered from a lack of investment in the facility over the years and we will have these improvements implemented in time for the main summer season. We are very pleased to be working alongside Casual Dining Group in expanding the existing offering at Elizabeth Terminal and are excited about the full offering, which will be available in 2019”.
Managing Director for Casual Dining Group, Mark Nelson, says, “Casual Dining Group is delighted to be working with Ports of Jersey in delivering a service to the Island’s travellers and visitors at both its principal gateways, and we look forward to developing a more comprehensive restaurant and bar facility at Elizabeth Terminal in time for spring 2019.”
