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After 13 years it may finally be happening - the plans for the Millenium Town Park are now with the Planning Department ready to be given the green light.
The £10 million pound project features two water features on each end of the park, sheltered areas for relaxation, play facilities for children, sports areas and a refreshment kiosk.
It's taken 13 years to get to this stage because of debate and indecision over how to replace the parking that would be lost through building a green space.
The 380 spaces at Gas Place will disappear on 24 January, but transport bosses insist there are alternatives. Drivers can use the 170 spaces at Ann Court, 120 of which are long stay and 50 of which are short stay and there's 200 unused spots at Pier Road. The trouble is, Pier Road is on the other side of town, which is probably why they're empty.
TTS admit it's not going to be a popular alternative for commuters.
Chris Sampson from Transport and Technical Services said: "Creating the town park and moving the cars off will actually mean that people will have to change their parking habits. However the parking surveys which we've done show that by far the majority of people who use gas place are the long stay people, and we've done surveys on where they work in town and the average distance from where they work to Gas Place is very similar to the distance from where they work now to Pier Road."
UK Contractors VHE are currently cleaning up the former gas works site, to allow them to build the park, they're looking for local companies to subcontract work to, so they're holding a meet the buyer event on 10th January.
The project is going to cost the States £10 million and part of that budget includes £50,000 pounds for some art work to go in the park. Transport and Technical Services want local artists to come forward and submit their ideas and then a shortlist will be shown to the public.
Posted By: Skeptical Charlie on 29-Dec-2010
Sorry Gian didnt have my glasses on (Glen)
Posted By: k St Brelade on 29-Dec-2010
why do we need another town park what is wrong with howard davis park?
Posted By: Skeptical Charlie on 29-Dec-2010
Hi Glen the differance is 10 years ago we had 10 million it just amazes me that we are on a decline where working people will suffer financially, it as usual with island spending does not make sense why dont they put the 10 million into the health service where the people of the island will benefit any way whats wrong with upgrading Howard davies park.
Posted By: paul st Helier on 29-Dec-2010
No Gian it was not the peoples idea to build a Park. The people wanted a semi-submerged car park with a park on top. The States took it upon themselves to decide the car park would cost loads because they went over the top as usual and specifying that every drop of toxic residue weather harmfull or not be remove & treated to the 9th degree. The quotes for the excessive treatment for the soil was unsurprisingly expensive. The States then decided all by themselves that the public only wanted a park. They have fudged the issue by telling us that it's a park we asked for, We Didn't!!!
Posted By: nick st helier on 28-Dec-2010
Lets see,
Transport Minister has free parking,
TTS has free parking,
Constable of St Helier, free parking
Everyone else can manage, there's 200 so called spaces a good 1/2 mle away.
"FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO"
A the good book say's.
Mind you seems to fit in every case.
Posted By: Gian-St.Helier on 28-Dec-2010
People really amaze me . Over 10 years ago . It was the peoples Idea to build this park for the millenium . Everybody exept the states wanted it . Now the states want to do it the people are against it . I really feel the public are two faced sometimes and just want to moan about anything the states do . There shouldnt be an issue of replacing concrete with natural beauty no matter what the cost, as nature in this day and age are priceless and is natural cure for stress ,a little of what seems you lot need a cure for . I think its a great idea .
Posted By: Gian-St.Helier on 28-Dec-2010
I think personnally its the best thing the states have done for centuries . As for your cars , they should not be in St.Helier anyway , there is enough traffic in there already .And if you are to lazy to walk half a mile maybe the execise will do you more good than the doctor can provide. Maybe we willl see the green bike come back or another form or green taxi'ing like they have in many cities .I think this will bring a nice face lift to St Helier and a much needed one . And i hope to see many more facelifts to many areas of St.Helier in the future as to be honest ,its not the most inviting place in Jersey for beauty ,Its just a big concrete noise .
Posted By: John - St Helier on 28-Dec-2010
Only a government body would think up a scheme that destroys a revenue generating asset, such as a car park and replacing it with a non income generating asset, i.e. a park. (But dont worry, taxpayers have deep pockets and they are more than happy to pay a bit more income tax and GST )
As for reducing traffic on the island, the parking opposite my doctors surgery will soon be gone due to this wasteful project. How long before the surgery relocates out of town, where you can park ?
Please, thouse in authority really need to think this through. If the residents of this area really want the park, impose a tax/rates surcharge on their properties to pay for it.
Posted By: Mr smith at helier on 26-Dec-2010
Ok calm down I think this park is a brilliant idea forget your cars take to a push bike or bus less parking in town less cars and less traffic this island is small enough to set an example and be green this park is a hundred times better than more car parks or offices or flats which won't be used or outsiders will get and plus they shoul also put a ice ring up fort regent thank you merry Christmas
Posted By: Chris (St Brelade) on 26-Dec-2010
A nice new place for the drunks & drug takers to go, gives them a new view to look at instead of the peoples park and the Parade gardens
Posted By: CJ on 23-Dec-2010
Who on earth approved this lunacy at this cost of 10 million. My mate who knows a thing or 2 about projects like this estimates it would cost no more that 4 million. plus allow about 10% per year for staff and upkeep. Can this not be stopped before even more of our tax money ends up goodness where.
Posted By: Norman on 23-Dec-2010
Welll, judging by all these comments, and the comments on the JEP website, I would say that at least 80% of the population are hugely against this project. Good old States, going against what the majority want as always.
Posted By: Ben on 22-Dec-2010
I'm stunned at some of the remarks below regarding not using local business or people. Have you not realised yet, "think twice buy online!" If you buy local you pay over the odds, and that includes services provided by the States. Yes this project will go over budget, yes people will be pleased with the end result, yes it will be abused by drunks, crack heads, and ladies of I'll repute. but we'll have a lovely new park which will need even more States workers to maintain. My point being..... do you know what? I don't know... but i do know everything the States does costs me money and my pockets are very empty at the moment.
Posted By: Pete, St Helier on 22-Dec-2010
I agree with the comments on cost. How on earth did they get to a quote of £10 Million to build this? Is Kew Gardens coming over to do the landscaping with the designers of Canary Wharf to do the background? Why Geoff Southern and Simon Crowcroft pushed for us to waste so much money at a time when we face tax rises makes my blood boil and I doubt many people will be using this park as they make out. Give it a few weeks and it will be empty just like all the other Parks in St Helier.
Posted By: Louise St Helier on 22-Dec-2010
Interestingly a lot of negative comments are from people who do not live in St Helier. I look at the 2 carparks every day and can't wait to see some regeneration to the area. I would much prefer to see a green open space - not everyone has a garden and this oasis will be wonderful to break up the increasing 'how many properties can we build onto a postage sized plot of land' St Helier. Money well spent and an investment to our future. It would be even better if the unsightly gas storage tank got a make over too - what about turning it into a piece of art with a colourful new lick of paint to complement the new park?
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22/12/2010
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