Petition wants end to £2.5m town 'vanity project

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for St Helier’s £2.5 million town centre pedestrianisation project to be halted.

The petition, launched by former States deputy Jackie Hilton-Egre, criticizes the Government of Jersey’s plan to close roads around Broad Street to make them more pedestrian-friendly, calling it a “vanity project.” By Monday afternoon, the petition had gathered 1,041 signatures, triggering a requirement for ministers to respond.

Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan acknowledged the concerns raised but assured islanders that any investment would be “carefully considered to deliver long-term benefits.”

The proposed changes include resurfacing Broad Street to create a single-level roadway and pavement, as well as pedestrianising Library Place and Church Street while maintaining access for buses and taxis. The Department for Infrastructure and Environment stated that the project aimed to establish a continuous pedestrian route through town, named La Grande Rue.

Opposition to the Project

Hilton-Egre argued that the £2.5 million budget should instead be directed toward charities or used to refurbish the Havre des Pas swimming pool. She also highlighted the negative impact of losing disabled parking spaces in Broad Street since June 2020.

"I believe this is wrong on so many counts, not least because the £2.5 million could be better spent on other much-needed projects," she said. "This petition gives the people of Jersey a chance to voice their opposition to this vanity project."

Jehan, however, maintained that investing in St Helier was crucial to ensuring the town remained “vibrant, accessible, and attractive” for residents, businesses, and visitors.

"Improving our public spaces supports economic growth, enhances the environment, and encourages active travel," he said.

Jehan added that he would provide a full response to the petition in due course.