Minister slams £12m proposal to revamp market

Jersey's Infrastructure Minister has poured cold water on ambitious plans to overhaul the island’s historic Central Market, saying the £12 million proposal "wouldn't see the light of day" under his watch.

Constable Andy Jehan raised concerns over the scale and cost of the project during a meeting with the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel, arguing that the government should be looking to invest significantly less.

“I can think of many, many other places I can spend £12 million,” Jehan told the panel.

While acknowledging the need to keep the iconic market "functional and safe," the minister questioned whether such a large investment was justified.

“Personally, I don't think we need to spend £12 million on our markets,” he said. “If we want to maintain reasonable or even very generous rents, then you're simply not going to see a return on that level of spending.”

Jersey’s Central Market has been a cornerstone of the community for over two centuries, offering fresh produce, local goods, and independent stalls in the heart of St Helier. Despite differing views from other stakeholders, Jehan made it clear that, from his perspective, the current plans are unlikely to progress without major revisions to the cost.