My speech on Urban Regeneration – St Helier

I am Deputy of St Brelade, I chair the Environment Scrutiny panel and have completed over fifty public hearings and reviews, including energy policy and Green St police HQ

 As a backbencher, I gained States agreement to many private propositions

  • changes to the island plan and amendments to planning law
  • and many others.

 Under current policies, St Helier is expected to absorb our future population growth. To accommodate this growth we must improve the town environment to make it an attractive place where people want to live. We must not create dense urban ghettos which will lead to future social problems.

 We need to ensure that public spaces are enhanced and that new town developments provide more open space. We need to manage the impact of traffic on residential areas and provide parking for residents and visitors recognising the town centre has to work for shoppers and workers.

 The Regeneration steering group of ministers was set up three years ago but hasn’t produced the required long term urban regeneration plan. Now we hear of one minister’s own 150 day plan for St Helier. But to succeed in planning for long term future of our town and for Jersey, requires much more. It requires long term vision most importantly with a commitment to working with the community and others.

 Unfortunately in recent years our government’s record has been one of piecemeal planning decisions by ministers.

 The town park was completed but without underground parking disregarding the north of town master plan, foregoing the forecast economic benefit on the surrounding area and losing opportunities.

 We need land in town for vital public uses such as the police HQ, housing and our new hospital but our government has become a developer of public land for offices when there is limited demand. I want the esplanade site re-evaluated for the hospital

 We need a new police HQ, but residents around Green St will have to live with it in this highly unsuitable location which will prejudice residents of that area and affect traffic and parking.

 After 14 years, we have a 187 home development at Girls College which we are told by ministers won’t have any traffic impact and a major urban development of 297 homes on the gas works recommended by the planners with very limited open space.

 A big change is needed in our government. I want all our ministers to become more open to listening to the views of the public and States members who represent them and rebuild lost trust and restore public confidence.

 In this election, you have a choice of voting for change or for more of the same from the existing ministers

 I have the capability and experience to deliver the changes required.

 I humbly ask for your vote as Senator.

 Thank you very much

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