Stage 1 Consultation & Questionnaire

 

The Stage 1 online questionnaire is now closed and we have reviewed all the feedback received. Thank you to those who responded. You can review the results here.

You can still email us with any comments at info@sthelierwaterfront.je

We will publish a second round of consultation during 2021.

 
 

Context plan

The Jersey Development Company (‘JDC’) are developing a Visionary Framework to transform the Southwest waterfront area of St Helier, with a focus on mixed uses, landscaping and connectivity.

 

Key Opportunity sites

The framework will establish principles for the Key Opportunity sites known as 1,2,3 and 7.

 

Southwest St Helier Planning Framework

Work has been undertaken to date and the Southwest St Helier Planning Framework was adopted by the Environment Minister following consultation with the community in December 2019.

The Opportunity 

 

The development of the sites shown close to the waterfront offer an unparalleled opportunity for positive long-term change. We are now at the stage of looking in detail at how the sites can be delivered as part of an overall plan.

 

The Purpose of the Consultation

 

The purpose of this first stage of consultation is to show the community the initial concepts developed, illustrating how the Southwest St Helier Planning Framework could come to life.

We are keen for as many people as possible to view the material and comment.

 

Government of Jersey Objectives 

 

Key success factors have been identified by the Government of Jersey (‘GOJ’) to ensure the successful development of the St Helier waterfront. These are shown below.

 
 

1. Connectivity & Mobility

Reconnect the town and the seafront.

 
 

2. Open Space

Create a landscape-lead approach to the framework, introducing networks of public spaces well-connected to the existing routes.

 
 

3. Uses

Create a mixed-use development, including commercial, residential and leisure.

 
 

4. Design

Ensure high-quality innovative design respecting St Helier’s character & existing urban grain.

 
 

5. Height

Develop a sensitive approach to massing development relating to human scale & natural settings landmark buildings bringing stronger sense of identity to the development.

 
 

6. Views

Retain and celebrate historic views of St Helier and introduce new exciting views and vistas framing existing cultural & natural assets

Ensure high-quality innovative design respecting St Helier’s character & existing urban grain.

 

 Community Aspirations

 

The community has provided lots of feedback so far. The team has reviewed the feedback in detail and a summary of the key topics raised are listed below:

  • The pride and interest of the local community and key stakeholders in the future of this part of St Helier, and the desire to be meaningfully and regularly engaged in the visioning and planning process.

  • The need for improved connectivity and movement.

  • Island-wide traffic issues and the negative impact on St Helier in terms of pedestrian and cycle connectivity, noise and air pollution.

  • The importance of high quality open and green spaces.

  • The need for community facilities, shops, cafés and restaurants which remain lively during the evenings and at weekends all year round.

  • The need for views to be protected or enhanced.

  • The need for high quality architecture which considers the local character.

In addition, as part of the consultation website launch in September we asked people what would make the waterfront a success for them, their family and friends. The top three responses were:

  • The creation of a buzzy/lively environment with cafes/restaurants and shops.

  • The importance of green spaces.

  • The need for a cinema.

Site Analysis

 

Since being appointed the design team have undertaken site analysis, a summary of which is shown below.

 
 

Urban Fabric & Context

Located near the coast of Normandy, France, Jersey has a rich cultural heritage influenced by both the United Kingdom and France. The consolidation of St Helier’s key opportunity sites provides a remarkable opportunity for the development of a waterfront precinct that enriches the existing urban fabric, celebrates local history and context, and expands on the waterfront’s role as an important economic, recreational and tourism asset for St Helier and Jersey Island.

 

Natural Landscape

Jersey Island is characterised by dramatic valleys, draining from rocky cliffs in the north to sandy bays around St Helier. St Helier’s natural connections have been disrupted by road infrastructure and urban growth. Landscape and open space strategies, and consideration of views and vistas, will allow for reconnection and support for natural permeability.

 

Connectivity

There is a lack of safe and attractive pedestrian and cyclist connections between the historic centre and harbour area, providing a barrier to access and engagement with the waterfront. The size and extent of the site allows for opportunities to significantly improve St Helier’s movement networks, particularly in terms of east-west connections.

 

Assets & Views

The site is in a prime location proximate to the historic town centre and surrounded by St Helier’s key assets. And, as a waterfront site, it benefits from extensive open views, high amenity and access to sunlight and breezes. This provides significant opportunity to connect the city centre and land uses to the waterfront, both physically and visually.

 Initial Concepts

 

The team have used the site analysis, the previous consultation results and the work undertaken with the Design Council to develop initial ideas and approaches for St Helier’s waterfront. These are preliminary and subject to design evolution and change, taking on board comments from the community through this first stage of engagement and stakeholder engagement sessions, alongside further ongoing discussions with GOJ.

To ensure deliverability, the concepts must be responsive to community aspirations, flexible and realistic. The team are focussed on creating a well-considered plan that can stand the test of time and deliver the greatest benefit to the community.

 

Connections

New connections through the site continuing the existing urban fabric of St Helier and connecting old and new.

 

Key Moments & Axis

Key north-south axis connecting existing and proposed destinations, including significant key moments and landmarks.

 

Pedestrian Network

New pedestrian streets reconnecting the port area with the historic town centre, creating a comprehensive pedestrian loop. The new green boulevard will function as the primary green spine, supporting the connections with a number of high-quality public spaces across the site.

 

Parcelisation

The existing and proposed movement network, including key north-south axis and green boulevard inform and shape the development parcels, as well as distinct character areas.

 

Land Use

 

Landmarks

 

Pedestrian & Cyclist Connectivity

 Conceptual Images

 

Some of the ideas below were shown as concept sketches during the competition stage.

 
 

Land Bridge Park

Central Plaza

Water Gardens

Promenade

Park