1,000 new homes, shops, bars, restaurants, cinema, leisure centre and lido are all included in the vision for St Helier’s Waterfront development.
Jersey Development Company’s (JDC) Outline Planning Application to regenerate and complete the Southwest St Helier (SWSH) Waterfront area has been registered by the Planning Department.
In response to public feedback, JDC commissioned landscape architect specialists Gillespies, to create the new landscape-led Visionary Framework for the Waterfront in line with the Planning Guidance set out in the SWSH Planning Framework. The development will be phased over a ten-year period and the Outline Planning Application proposes fundamental parameters on sustainability, biodiversity, connectivity, open spaces, uses, design, building heights and views.
This Visionary Framework has been informed by a series of three public consultations which took place between October 2020 and August 2021. There was a high level of engagement and constructive contributions from the consultation. The consultations comprised regular workshops and discussions with the local community, local businesses, Government of Jersey, St Helier Parish officials and other key stakeholders as well as statutory consultees.
Key findings during the public consultations included lowering the proposed heights of buildings, design style and the amount of open space and public realm. The design team responded to comments by reducing the height of the taller corner buildings to a maximum of eight storeys and bringing the gateway building down from 16 storeys to a maximum of 12.
Feedback also highlighted the desire for increased areas of leisure across the site, including more open spaces to play, enhanced public realm, additional water features and more opportunities for art and culture.
The proposals will create a vibrant Waterfront destination and community, including approximately 1,000 new homes, arts and culture facilities, plus food, beverage and retail amenities.
Proposed leisure facilities include a new indoor swimming pool, gym and children’s aquatics centre, an outdoor lido, an indoor kids’ zone and bouldering centre, outdoor play provisions, a designated cycle hub and vehicle and cycle parking facilities for public and residential use.
A fundamental principle of the Framework is to improve connectivity between the Waterfront and the town centre via a new pedestrian and cycle crossing. The development also includes a network of new streets reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, to aid permeability and support the Government’s sustainable transport objectives.
The Visionary Framework responds to Jersey’s aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, with a focus on minimising the energy requirements of the completed development, as well as reducing in-built carbon. The project includes provision for enhancing biodiversity in the area and the extensive areas of public realm. New facilities for alternative modes of transport, including a 400 space bike hub, will encourage healthy lifestyles and support well-being.
Commenting on the submitted plans, JDC’s CEO Lee Henry said: “These ambitious proposals are an important step forward for the island and St Helier’s Waterfront. We sought consultation from all areas of the community over a ten-month period and we were very encouraged by the level and quality of the feedback received. We have ensured that these submitted plans responded to the public’s views.
“This landscape-led Visionary Framework also understands the importance of Jersey’s unique character and identity and will provide the island with a Waterfront that is a destination, and a local sustainability exemplar that has been influenced by today’s islanders, for future generations to come”.
