Deputies Encouraged to Support Youth Facility Proposal

Land for new Primary School May Temporarily Host Youth Facilities Under Deputy’s Proposal

A parcel of land designated for a new primary school in Jersey could be temporarily transformed into youth recreational facilities, including a skatepark and climbing wall, if a proposal put forward by Deputy David Warr is approved by fellow deputies.

The Gas Place site, intended for the future school, would be used for “meanwhile” purposes until construction begins. Deputy Warr raised concerns about the lack of indoor activity spaces for the island’s youth, highlighting that by the end of 2025, around 5,000 children in St Helier would have no free indoor facilities available.

Warr described the situation as “extraordinary,” noting the closure of key youth venues such as Fort Regent—which has been shut for three years—along with Tamba Park, Amaizin Maze, and the town’s skatepark.

He suggested that the Gas Place site could accommodate an indoor skate facility, a climbing wall, and a tarmac pump track accessible to skaters, bikers, and wheelchair users, conveniently located near most of Jersey’s secondary schools.

“The health and wellbeing of our teenagers, which has already suffered post-COVID, is at risk,” Warr said. “Allowing this brownfield site to remain unused while we wait for school plans to progress is a waste of resources. We need to act now to support our young people rather than wait for problems to develop.”

Warr also expressed optimism about funding, believing that a combination of charitable donations, sponsorships, and community goodwill could make the temporary facilities a reality.

Meanwhile, Constable Simon Crowcroft has urged reconsideration of the school project, citing falling birth rates and a shortage of open spaces in St Helier.

Deputy Rob Ward, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, responded by emphasising that the school project has faced “constant delay” despite repeated Assembly votes in its favour. He stressed the importance of replacing outdated school buildings lacking sufficient space and green areas.

“I think it’s time to get on with it,” Ward said.

Deputies could debate Warr’s proposal as early as 8 July.