Carl
My wife and I went to the Waterfront cinema last week - we had to dodge kids on skateboards and mountain bikes, and walk through what can only be described as 'gangs' of kids who were simply hanging around. We will never be able to encourage tourists if we can't improve the area.
I am the first to admit that the kids were non threatening or violent - but could have been intimidating to tourists who don't know the area.
I think we need better policing in areas where tourists are being encoraged to visit
Dave
By reading the post I think it would be appropriate to advertise Jersey as a moaner's paradise. Jersey people do not appreciate how lucky they are. The economy is in reasonable ship - very low unemployment compared to the UK, no debt with a substancial rainy day fund. The island is facing it's first economic blip for the first time in 20-odd years and everyone acts like it is the end of the world. Jersey is in a transition stage where tourism is becoming more important again due to the finance industry losing a bit of its strength. The States are making an effort to diversify and it should be encouraged. Mistakes will be made but, by God, they'll be sure to learn from them.
Jersey resident
I'm a kid and I think that having the cinema and pool is good enough. I think that we should have a large sort of area for wild life.It could be good for families to walk in too. It might sound pretty lame, but to be honest we are taking up more land with buildings than we need to.
Sophie
don't buld on it, it will get spoilt if you do!
bod squad
its should have a go-kart track and make it very big and super good so when people come over they can think its realy good.people like go karts everybody does like it diffebts country so please put one in !!!!!!!!11111
??
Can I just say that sum ov u people are moaning that we moan but U arent cumin up wiv any ideas n r moaning at us moaning so shut up we r just trying to make our island beta.I dont like the idea ov an ice rink. i want a climbing wall or an adveture park or big shopping mall!!(I am a teenager)
Leopoldo
After a failed attempt to sort out Edinburgh's Waterfront, the good people of Jersey have now recruited the former chief executive of Edinburgh Waterfront Ltd, Mr Steven Izatt.
You guys don't know what's hit you yet! But you soon will.
Shanen
i think that none of it should have been built nad it should still be the sea!!!
jessie
I love the waterfront it's a great place to hang out. but now there thinking of putting a 15 story building there. They don't know what there going to use it for. If you ask me it's a stupid idea. Just leave the waterfront be.
sarah
icerink
robyn baker
i really would like a pernement iceskating rink. it would make alot of money my dream is to be a figure skater and i cant move to england or a bigger place this would attract tourists and all of my friends love it even for recreational skating
alice (teen)
hey.. some people find the teenagers that hang buy the front intimidatin.. but really they aint ! they aint guna do nofin unless some1 does somin to em.. theres just nower else to meet people which also has like cinema n stuf wer u can go wid groups of people ! ther needs to be more places wer all of us can go.. then we wont hang round the front ! so .. yeah .. just give us somewer else with cinema, food, swimmin, and more shops :D:D:D
sonia da silva
we need more facilties for local to use. casino, games facilties, there isnt nothing to do in the winter.
Lauren
I have to say that there are loads of 'kids' around in the Waterfront - i am a kid myself :) but the people that tend to hang around there are what we call 'chavs'. I think that though - they should build a hugs shopping complex, or an ice skating rink - both would be HUGE in Jersey - i know everyone - yes i mean everyone (well about 90%) would want something like that - ice skating - because when we had that ice skating rink come over here for a month or so that was all people at my school would talk about - and of course a shopping complex where EVERYONE loves to shop til they drop!!! This would increase durasticly how many people would go the the Waterfront.
warren b
well what can i say...as someone who studied design and involved in design for over 20 years and coming from a historical city of chester which as kept its strong historical character and appearance by building architecture that blends in with its history....what a shame they cant do the same at the waterfront...sugest they find planners designers that actually care about jersey and its apearance as whats down there at the moment is a complete eyesore...cant people work together on a grand scale project instead of doing there own thing and filling there own pockets...i suggest whatever goes up there be of interset to the youth of jersey...tourism whats left of it and historical as a port
Uk visitor
The place is beautiful there i s no two ways about it! there are a coupple of things that need discussing, though and firstly the islands wealth comes from financial background but also tourism, so the states have to constantly find new ways of attracting them. if that means buliding hotels, then that has to be the way forward. but i am also of the oppinion (whilst i was sitting on the terrace at the bar) that the island is too beautiful to become too commercial, the fact that the ocean is now blcoked by flats aint ideal! as a non bean, its gr8 beaches, great place to raise kids, and real nice community atmosphere!
Grace
I have lived in Jersey all my life and i think that it is a beautiful place. i dont want all that 2 turn in2 a city i go 2 london on holiday bacause it is different. And when i come back home 2 Jersey i want 2 come back 2 the place that i know and love NOT a horrible sky scraper and others stupid buildings. and 4 goodness sake STOP building flats there are alreadu 2 many!!!
jessica xxx
jersey is alrite but i think we need more things to do for the children and teenagers. for example, maybe a perminant fair!!! xx that would be soo good!! xx thanks xxx get back t me!! xx
desperate teen!
i recon we should hav a big adventure course up there with absalin, trapese and a high wire course. That would b soo gd!
jasmin
me and my mate are trying to find a job in jersey we are 10 years old
Helen Grayson
Im thinking about coming to work in Jersey, i think a Permanent Ice Rink is an excellent idea...!!
Berry
I think the waterfront is fantastic, I go there a lot, and enjoy it every time! The cinema is great, always showing the best films, Pizza Hut is great - a good night out with pals.
I have not been to The Bar, but I have heard wonderful things from it, Aqua Splash and Fitness First are both excellent places with wonderful facilities. KFC I must admit I have not been too, but it is a place for people to pop into to grab a bite to eat, it does exactly what it says on the tin!
The 'upside down boat' as everyone says (get over it by the way, it has a name - La Fregate) is a lovely place, a great place to eat and watch the world go by.
Give it a rest people. No wonder Jersey people have a reputation for being miserable old bugers, all you sem to do is complain!! Not all of you, but a lot. Accept the waterfront, it is here, and it is getting bigger and better.
Enjoy your Island and the people in it, and stop writing bad things about it so when people search the internet for things about Jersey they come up with negative messages from our very own Islanders!
No wonder people don't come over here anymore if the very people that live here don't have a nice thing to say about it.
rossy
all of it is good but it would be so much better if it was cheaper!
Holly
I was born in jersey but moved to crappy england when i was 7 i am now 13 and love jersey so much but am not loud to move!! i would like to see pictures of inside liquid when it is on for kids on tuesdays in the summer holidays! jersey is all about kids and i love to see more about them! ( by the way im not a pervert or a nerd)
Steph
I think we should have a Shopping Mall at the waterfront it willm mean more money but it will be great for local people and tourists
DARRAGH
As a previous resident of Jersey, I think the waterfront is an excellent idea to attract more toruism to the island. Personally as a gay man I would like to opportunity to go openly to a wine bar/club without the feeling of predjudice surrounding me. I feel Jersey should join the rest of the uk/ireland even the world and have an openly gay venue were many people, gay/bi/straight whatever can visit without it being viewed as seedy and underground, it's 2005 for god sake time for a change I think!!
Emma
Y the heck do we need a bridge. Is it the same reason that we needed a toad in town?
shannon Armistead
well i think that every body should have food ever wear
Mr.Parry
I am an 18 year old boy at victoria college, at the moment i am quite confused to what sexuality i want to be, i have tried both girls and boys and i still dont know, i think the idea of a joint gay and normal club would be a fantastic idea! it would bring the homosexual and straight and even bi-sexual community together. Maybe i could then meet the right MAN!!!!! (or girl? not sure yet!)
tom
i am gay and believe that scott's ideas for a new gay bar are wonderful and it would give me the chance to meet new people maybe even that special someone
sarah
the trampolines on the waterfront are amazing, i might find myself living down there during the summer - is there a month membership thing that you can do? anyway, for the days when its wet or wotever, i think jersey needs an icerink, apparently there used to be one - what happened to it?!
scott
i believe that to really utilise the site to its maximum potential we should be looking and building a casino with extra facilities accompanying it.
firstly there should be another nightclub aimed at the homosexual community, the cosmopolitan it a lively place and a similar club is neccessary to allow some diversification from the usual bars and clubs. i believe that shows and musical housed at the club would attract male and female custom in large numbers.
Simon
i am 8 years old and i think we should have a park with swings and a slide. The States are making an effort to diversify and it should be encouraged. Mistakes will be made but, by God, they'll be sure to learn from them. thank you
sarah frank
jersey is boring there so no where to go for us kids it is to expensive for us and thats how we can get into trouble
gemma
i think the cinema is alright and it very expensive and a little tip here, when you cut the prices more people will come thats from all ma mates k so try please. children should be able to do more and have some more stuff to do why cant we have our say in it and children should rule the world cause they no watr to do! i stand my ground! and so do my mates
7/11
jersey is rubbish there nothing to do for kids and this is comeing from a jersey born kid
Lucy
I want to congratulate the makers of the waterfront for making Jersey like any other town in the UK. WELL DONE!! A few more mc donalds and starbucks and we'll be well and truely standardised.
The only way you'd get a young crowd back into the island is to control the airlines and make them keep cheaper fares for all passengers rather than the first few, like easyjet or another budjet airline, and obviously better advertising.
(I have moved to England now, and am still shocked that a lot of people I meet, don't even know where Jersey is) I made a group of my friends come over in the summer (we're all in our twenties) and they loved the beaches and how beautiful the island was.
They laughed at the nightclubs and bars. They didn't come to the island for that as the clubs and bars are ten times better in the UK. Why don't we sell the good things rather than wasting money on the bad.
mel
I used 2 live in Jersey but now live in France. We moved here as it was too expensive to live.
I went to Jersey in summer and went to the new water front complex. I think it's really well done except it's a bit expensive!
(Cine World, swimming...)
Chris Agathangelou
We should use ideas from other waterfronts that have been successful like Larnaca in Cyprus where the waterfront is lit up with clourful lights and people can enjoy games room, restaurants and also bars. If we expand the front then we will be able to attract more tourists to the area and help fund our ever decreasing economy.
Hanna W
I fink dat we need sum morwe toilets near 2 da tramps cos dere si nun n u av 2 sneak into la fregate and use the ones there x
Hanna
I totaly agree wid jake x
Sexy teen
I fink jersey or the waterfront should get a GOOD go kart track. I think maybe where the old one is they could build a new one which is much better than the old one.
Stefan Naylor
I think they should build a new marina, a shopping center, a business park with some skyscrapers, maybe a new multi use stadium, a new forest, new houses. If Jersey got all them things then it would be great with lots of things to do.
Nicolas Jouault
What a pity the WEB never got an independent planning assessment for the area, or appointed an independent chairman. The area has housing (and more planned), a car park, good road access, a ferry terminal - but no super market ! Why ? Senator Le Sueur says that this would affect established business. Yet we have a cinema, fast food and a swimming pool all of which are competing with established places. The waterfront is quickly becoming a Jersey version of Milton Keynes, with a disfunctial over budget marina added on for good measure. At least we now a great needle to pop the carbunckle with ! Nick
Michael
Fundementaly, Jersey is a great place, but being ruined by States Members who are inconsistant and short sighted - Take the Waterfront for example - We've been talking about it for years, and so far, have an increadibly ugly cinema - social housing, a ratherv fine swimming complex, a dodgy upturned boat - tacky go carts and trampolines - and that's about it.
Every other city I can think of that has the slightest bit of water, has in the same time that we've been talking, built superb waterfront developments taht are attracting tourists (and raking in cash) hand over fist.
Jersey has got to get rid of 'the Jersey Farmer' mentality - and get some decent business/professional people in to run the States.
Well meaning amateurs have had their day!
Robby
I've just read Dave's comments - where is he coming from? - Jersey is inn the midst of a major crisis - and the problem we have is that people like him have'nt spotted it yet - employment may be low in ultimate terms - but our unemployment is rising at the fastest level in Europe (eastern Europe) included - our debt levels are massive by per capita measures - most importantly - we know that our income levels will drop substantially when the changes to corporation tax kick in (18 months away) - in short - we have massive problems which need imediate attention - we don't want an increase in tourism - we NEED it.
Jake
jersey is boring 4 kids there is nuffink 2 do & the stuff there is 2 do is 2 expensive!!
Asian Ron
Jersey is not "colonial". As colonial implies hot humid weather, tropical plants and sun all year round. If you want colonial try Singapore where there is hot weather all year round. Now that was a "real" independant British dependancy!
Alistair (Cheshire)
I visited Jersey on business a couple of years ago for a month. I loved the Colonial laid back feel and I loved the intimate, small town feel to the island. I shudder to think of a concrete monstrosity in the centre. Anyone who knows Stockport will recoil in horror a Grand Central park – this was a similar venture created 10 years ago. It is now a no go zone at night and badly dilapidated. Please keep Jersey pleasant and Colonial – adding this monstrosity will kill off tourism, not encourage it.
Ria
The Waterfront needs to be something that the Islanders want to see, and the obvious thing is somewhere that: 1. Teenagers will want to be and
2. Adults would like to use. To me this spells amusement park for the kids. We have the fair for a few weeks of the year, and you can't fail to notice that the amount of teenagers in town drops considerably.
Attach to the amusement park a complex that contains a casino and pubs and bars. "The" bar can move in there and the sight that is there at the moment could be used as a creche facility for the parents who would like to go to the gym or do an aerobics class.
Result, the States get loads of money and we get what everyone would like to have.
Steve
How about scrapping the whole lot, returning it to the sea and improving tidal flow again so the seaweed disapears, therefore creating a great beach, then develop the old abbatoir site to something like "West Quay" southampton. But if you are going to build make sure the Architects have an ounce of creativity, and make it something special.
Nigella
The Waterfront has a lack of imagination and inspiration and other than a swimming pool and bars and naff restauarnts has nothing much to draw people there. Why didn't they take any inspiration from other waterfronts i.e. Capetown and Sydney, I'll never know. Utalising the waterfront would have not only been beneficial for the locals but think of all the tourists that would have also appreciated it , especially all those whom arrive by yatch. Jersey's dying tourist trade is certainly not being helped. By adding small intimate restaurants and bars this would give the area a much more continental feel and detract from what it currently looks like a industrial estate. Please do something that adds character and to attract people in the daytime as well as the evening other than tacky restaurants, surely we should have restaurants that promote jersey produce and fish.
Andy
Its a carbuncle! its the cancer of jersey, a huge uncontrollable growth fuelled by corperate greed that completely detracts from the character of the Island.
A concrete white elephant that sucks the money from your pocket if you actually want to visit the entertainments. And "The" bar is full of ponsy posers.
Bored Teen
We are doing a project on this at school in geography. Most people think that the Island Site should be turned into a big shopping mall, but personally I think it would be best used as something we haven't already got! Take an ice rink for example - when we had the temporary one at Fort Regent, everyone used it and (although there were more accidents than usual) it was a great success.
If we had a full-time, full-size ice rink, it would provide entertainment for lots of people, especially teens like me. People complain about the teens around cineworld and the skate park, but surely they were MADE with teens in mind in the first place?! There isn't anything to do for us - there's a limit to how many films you can watch, town gets boring after a while and Liquid is only on every now and again! Whatever you eventually do with the site, PLEASE make it something that us teens can enjoy too - tourists aren't all old you know!
scarlet toyui
the water front sux apart from liquid
Stacey
shopping centre, scenery for the tourists (parks gardens etc)and things for the youngsters
Michael
Laura, in case you haven't noticed, Jersey is in the midst of a financial crisis - we have two choices 1, huge tax increases
with job cuts.
-or 2, increase the income the Island generates.
Your 'countryside' tourists are great - but they don't spend much, and tend not to create jobs - we NEED to bring in a new sort of visitor - not the bucket and spade sort - they now go to the med.
We need to divert some of the 680,000 people who visit the Tate in St. Ives, / the Eden Project in St. Austell or the Maritine Museum in Falmouth - or any number of tasteful tourist attractions that generate wealth.
Rob
Not sure where Laura gets her ideas from - in my experience (friends, family, business contacts) people aren't coming to Jersey because it doesn't offer what they want - Some people will always come to Jersey for its rural splendour, but they are coming anyway - we need new people!
Laura
1. The sort of tourists Jersey attracts aren't looking for more commercialism, but for the peace and tranqullity of the island. There is therefore no point in developing the Waterfront for tourists. If you want to up the tourist trade you need to reduce the cost of flights and accommodation - how can Jersey compete with package deals to the Med when it's so expensive?
2. Trying to encourage wildlife in the middle of an urban area seems pretty redundant. 3. The Waterfront is the first place people see when arriving in Jersey by boat, do you really want it to look like concrete heaven? 4. Why not just turn it into an open space recreation/park area for people to relax, play games... You could maybe put picnic benches/barbeques around there for the summer months and have live outdoor music events. This would benefit islanders and tourists alike.
Tony
I find it very interesting that today (March 30) one of your articles on 'budget cuts' highlights WEB saying that the Waterfront must now 'pay for itself' - well excuse me, but if you look back over this section, the more enlightend members of the public have been saying that for 6 months or more.
Lets not beat around the bush, lets call a spade a spade - Jersey is virtually bankrupt, due to miss management, by short sighted politicians. Can we trust these people to get us out of the mess - they caused it in the first place.
Charlie again!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!! Yes i've bin reading the website and i think it is a very good idea to build a large ice rink.
Bi Bi
Lol
XXX
Charlie
Ithink the waterfront is brill! Nearly every weekend i go there!!! A bit on the expensive side especially in cineworld (£6 for an adult ticket!)The swimming pool is very good. My friends and i think it's the 1 place for fun! We love it...
Lol
XxX
laura(jersey)
i think you should build a big shooping center with the things we dont have at the moment like new look superdrug ext and have more things for teens to do like stuff that liquids do but more for teens so liek a night club which is open at weekend every now and then for them to go to and a ice rink and stuff like that places for teens to do somethign defentaly liek liquid but more oftine like every few weeks that would be great and a big shooping centre
Mark
I live in Birmingham but love the countryside in Jersey (so much so I'm getting married here in August) but it's clear that
a) you really need something to hook the tourists in, possibly some exclusive shops coupled with a couple of top hotels, a casino and facilities but maintaining the wonderful countryside...and
b) you have a lot of bored kids and teens with nothing to do apart from hang around the waterfront complex. Once these kids have gone to uni or the mainland they will eventually come back to this beautiful island, however it may be when they are in the mid-30's early-40's and this may be too late for the island's infrastructure. I think the powers-that-be need to make the island appear a little less 'elitist' and make it more accessible.
Ben
something different like rollercoaters. The current landfill site is perfect for a wind farm it could supply all of jerseys electricity in a force 4 with just 30 Wind generators
F Burnham
build a new hotel, move the jersey potteries to this site complete with its garden,make room for new pubs and outdoor eating new drive in dinner with outside cine screen
Wayne
It seems to me that Jersey probably can't win.
We seem to have evolved into an Island of moaners - the plans for Liberation Square seem promising, and hopefully, the rest of the development will continue in a tasteful manner. The problem seems to be that a minority of parents have ho control over their kids - who seem to be running wild in the town and on the Waterfront - ruining a lovely environment - and destroying Jersey's efforts to rebuild its tourist sector.
David Le M.
Tourism is the World's fastest growing economic sector - most countries have recognised this, and are actively pursuing the market place.
They are doing this by allocating funds for use in promoting themselves, and developing new facilities to attract the 'new breed of tourist' - the wealthy 'short breaker' - What is Jersey doing?
- probably thinking about it - and when it does decide to act,
it will be a half -baked commite idea, badly funded, and compromised from the very start
Rolph
In reply to Michael's point - the problem is that most of our politicians are more familiar with the 60's and 70's - they are in a time warp.
We are governed by a states the is predominantly inhabited by elderly "Jerseymen" with huge amounts of enthusiasm, but little experience of the modern world.
As such, it will be very hard for them to embrace new ideas.
By definition, tourism, involves attracting people from "outside" - we therefore need "outsiders" to tell us what we need!
Michael
In the last few days, the UK tourist board has released the attendance figures from most major centres - what is interesting - and matches the European statistics, is that numbers are down from "traditional" type attractions - but up substantially from the "new -wave" of tourism.
For example - Blackpool pleasure beach is down by 15% - whislt the Eden Project is up by 15% - the quality centres are doing well - but the "tacky" end of the market is in decline - Jersey be warned - the times they are a changin' It is essential that the waterfront is developed with the 21st century tourist in mind - not the trippers from the 60's and 70's.
Charles
Interesting that as of 20 Feb, the police are having to divert valuable resources to protect the Waterfront from "anti-social" behaviour. This is the point that many commentators have already pointed out - we need the Waterfront to help develop tourism - but already local yobs are ruining it !
dano
i wish you where les expencive.
JO D
ok, we desperately need a hotel! and cant we just have a park or something, keep it natural. jersey is turning too urban
Old Git
I wonder how Steve would feel if I took the 60 OAP's on their outing to the Skateboard park ?- very kind of him to offer to keep me in care in the future -wonder who's paying for his education, health care (and his Skateboard park ) right now !
christopher Ravenscroft
It's very good hom you built it.
I saw the waterfront last year.
Steve
im 14 and have just as much right to hang around at the waterfront as some old tourist does
we just want somewhere to hang out, we get moved from lib square and now from the waterfront, we cant hang around in town so where do we go, were the ones that will be paying taxes in the future to keep old people in care or whatever
John
My thoughts are that a themed 'tourist' village - maybe in the style of an old fashioned fishing village with sea food places - (like the festival of the sea) would be a good idea - the aquarium suggestion would fit in well
Diedre
I've just been reading that they expect 60,000 visitors to the 'new' gardens in the first 18 months - obviously these people will not be coming in the depths of winter - so can we expect 60,000 in a 9 month period - where will they stay?
The Waterfront, properly developed, will bring in equal numbers - hasn't anybody made the connection yet?
We have let our tourism infrastructure vanish - maybe it's time to turn the empty appartment blocks - (that were once empty hotels) back into hotels again - Jersey forward planning strikes again!
Stephanie
I'm not an economist or a banker, but I have a bit of common sense - back office operations are much cheaper out of Jersey than in it - Tax changes will stop many people using Jersey - our finance sector is bound to shrink!
We need to rebuild our tourist sector to stimulate income and jobs. The Waterfront is the obvious starting point
Mike
Thank's to a broken leg, I've had the time to read every comment posted on this site.
There seems to be a very strong consensous of opinion that 1, the site should be developed for tourism.
2, That the development should follow a consistant theme, aquatic/Sea/ fishing village type of development to reflect Jersey,
3, That it needs to be an upmarket, quality development.
4, Saddly, there is also a consistant theme that the writers have little faith in the States to deliver such a project!
Sarah Fowden
I think Jersey should have its own "Fisherman's Wharf" on the lines of San Fransisco. This would be attractive to both tourists and Jersey people of all ages, even all year round. This would concentrate of Jersey's great assets of lovely sea food, fresh air, beautiful sea views and healthy living. I also think that an outside entertainment area would be beneficial,again for everybody, offering a wide range of shows/plays/dancing.
Monique
A small aquarium run on the same lines as Biarritz in France would be nice and attract tourists and you are near the sea thus you need a sea scenario. Leave some open spaces also for nature to flourish. You need to attract people not just tourists and have a calm place to sit and relax.
Frank Le M.
It's not an economic blip as Dave puts it, World Economies have changed in recent years - 'this blip' was seen coming four years ago - the States either couldn't see it - or choose to ignore the signs - that is the concern of many people - they carried on spending like there was no tomorrow - and then blame it on events beyond their control -
Rick
What planet does Dave come from ?
Unemployment is rising at 20% a year - A pension timebomb ticking away, 1800 unsold properties, empty commercial property and falling house prices stifling the market, it is the head in clouds attitude that has caused Jersey's problems - you must face facts and act accordingly - running an economy is like steering a supertanker - you don't wait to hit the rocks - you plan ahead, spot trends, and err on the side of caution
Michael
Great idea Oliver - pity you don't run tourism!- they'll just build another upturned boat and a few more fast food joints!
Oliver
i think they should build a sea world with doplhins and killerwhales i think it would be good and alays busy it would be good for the summer torism etc i think that shoul be built.
Mike
I wish that we could change our system - Imagine insisting that all States Members had an I.Q. test (with the results published) and had to have worked off the Island for a few years during their careers, If that happened, we may just possibly have Statews members who were fit to make decisions for the rest of us!
As it stands - the people who will decide on the future of the Waterfront simply haven't got a clue.
Robert.
I think Gerald has hit the nail on the head, Jersey has the potential to have a prosperous future, but our current states members are not equipped to handle the dynamic new world that we live in.
Jersey's administrative system can no longer cope with the changing world that we live in - Globalisation has highlighted our 'little Island' mentality.
I'm afraid the waterfront decisions will be made by people with no great insight into World Tourism, little imagination,
and quite frankly, incapable of making the decision.
Gerald
Yes - tourism is a huge growth sector in the UK, and Europe - but the drive in modernising tourism world wide is being led by forward thinking dynamic people - We have got great natural resources - but not the people with the vision to pursue it - I'm afraid we will all be held back by the 'little Island' attitude that still prevails and will hold this lovely Island back.
John
I've just got back from a few days wuith the in-laws in Falmouth -and went to see the Maritine museum - there were queues to get in at 9.30 on Sunday morning - a group I spoke to had flown down (on a no frills airline) from London - hundreds of people visiting a seaside town in December ! That's what Jersey needs ! Wake up Jersey - there is a fortune to be made from tourism - but you have to change your way of thinking.
Andy
Sam, Her Majesty is at the top of our society's structure whether you like it or not. If you want to change that, you have a democratic right to campaign.. when the majority ever agree with you we'll see what happens!
Sam
How about we DONT have a tribute to the Queen at all - how about we pay tribute to someone who has actually done something useful for mankind other than just be born into a certain family.
Andy
10 years ago, if I saw a couple walking through town, I'd automatically think "tourists", whereas now I'd think "locals having a night out". That just about sums it up.
We must make the waterfront an area where locals want to go. The tourists (the few that we still get) will follow.
I think the proposed pointy statue is too similar to the one at the airport (give or take a twist) and isn't relevant to what it's there for. If we want to celebrate Queen Elisabeth II why not have a statue of HER, as is usually the tradition? Or is tradition out of fashion? Why not move the bus parking from the weighbridge (we only need pickup points there, not parking for buses) and restore the circular garden that used to be there, with Queen Victoria. The whole area would be a delight then. The new Queen statue could then go in the triangle park by the Grand, where QV's statue is at the moment.
This would do more to improve the 'feel' of the town than any meddling with traffic flows and unsafe crossings... (that nobody wanted... put into effect by people most of us never got the chance to vote against)
cyfrin
Having thought on this I can see that the only way forward is to produce a brilliant aquarium, and the cafe quarter etc be themed along with that. Make the most of the sea! As for the kids, Jersey offers the best playgrounds in the world - the beaches and the wide-open spaces. Let them run and use their imagination. Also, how about a museum type fishing village. The possibilities are endless but it must be done with taste!
Dominic
Jersey has a society (lets face it) dominated by the middle class. What is popular are high cost brand goods like Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, etc. If we could create a high class, chic environment for the local rich to shop in, we could also market ourselves as a high quality shopping destination. I know I love to shop on holiday, so lets provide it here! It would not compete with existing shops because this caters to a new and specific market. It would add some class to our drab, boring shopping "scene".
Craig Brown
Instead of investing £200,000 in lowering air fares or in attractions Jersey governent thinks it's a great idea to use the money in building a giant spike!!!
Craig Brown
POPULATION OF JERSEY IN 2099:1
PRICE OF AIR FARES IN 2099: £100,000,000...
Amazed!
£200,000 for a single sculpture - you've got to be joking!
Nigel M.
All you Jersey folks are locked into your little socialist state mentality, have you not heard of the private sector - you all seem to be going on about "who will fund it" - get a decent developer in - give them the land - (free) but go into a profit share agreement - that's how the rest of the world does it - but is that too sensible for your politicians who seem to control everything.
Chris
Yes build a stadium, which will not get filled due to the Island's small population and which will not be able to sustain the high maintenance costs associated with stadia when large events are not going on!! Have you not heard of the white elephant that is the Telstra Stadium in Sydney, which held the best Olympics in history and just finished hosting the the rugby world cup final!!
Colin King
Build a Multifunction Stadium for World Class Events, have a Global Design Competition for the Architecture. Suggest something landmarking!
Bruce
What is wrong with people from outside Jersey coming to work in the island?? I think you lot need to wake up to reality of the modern world, Britain has for the past century, allowed non-British people to live in and make a positive contribution to the large island that is England, Scotland and Wales. If you look to the south of you, France has done the same. Get with the programme, asylum seekers are a fact of the modern world, you cannot live in a bubble forever, no matter what state laws may say!!
Girlie
Recipe for the Waterfront:
Take a room full of doddery old men and a few not so old but still as stupid men. Tell them that there is a big chunk of land that could potentially make loads of money. Let them make up there own mind for a ouple of years. After ten years flatten the place because the budget won't cover keeping it up. Banish all the stupid doddery old fools and not so old but as still stupid men to the far reaches of the universe.
Bruce
Sam, "I mean the old people in Jersey arent going to do all the jobs that keep the island afloat, plus they will be dead in a few years, not going to do much then are they?" Very politically correct, let them die, sounds like you have alot of respect from your elders?? surely it is the older generation that helped the island to be a success in years gone by and it is more the current generation that are now helping to destroy it!!
Conrad
Sam - the guys at 5 oaks and the people who will be loosing their jobs in the next 12 months as the fince sector reduces in size and the cutbacks in public spending that will follow this budget kick in - they are the people who will be desperate for jobs!
Sam
So who will do all these jobs when the young people in the island grow up and dont want to come back to Jersey because there is nothing for them to do (or there WAS nothing for them to do when they where younger). People from outside Jersey will have to be brought in to do the work which will then re-spark the debate about there being no Jersey people left in Jersey. You cant have it both ways, give Jersey youngsters something to do and they will come back/stay, dont give them anything and you have a non-jersey people Jersey.
Conrad
I despair at the short sighted view taken by my 'fellow Jerseymen' (and women) It is not a case of what we want - its more a case of what we need !
We have to increase tourism - our Island finances are falling apart around us - To all you people who want want want facilities for your kids - do you want VAT and tax increases and a huge cut back in public sector jobs to fund them?
Get real - we need facilities that bring in income (and jobs)
Clive
Tammy you are right - I stayed in St Helier -and thought it was one of the biggest dumps that I've ever visited - I am aware how beautiful Jersey is in parts - but the Waterfront is the issue - you need it to improve St Helier - to stop people like my seeing the drunks and hooligans that inhabit your streets after dark. Many people on this site have pointed out that Jersey wants to attract the 'short-break' type of tourist - well I'm one of them and the problem is that when you fly in on a Friday evening and fly out on a Monday morning - you don't have time to travel round much - but often on a short break - a place shows enoughh promise to make me want to go back for a week or so - but not Jersey.
Sam
Fine, lets make the waterfront a flagship for all the arty stuff that attracts tourists.
But where do we put the swimming parks, large cinemas, nightclubs, bowling alleys and skating rinks so that young families and teenagers can get to them if they dont have a car.
I mean you cant rely on the buses.
We need to give teenagers and young people a reason to stay in the island, something that they will remember when they go off to university that will make them want to come back - I mean the old people in Jersey arent going to do all the jobs that keep the island afloat, plus they will be dead in a few years, not going to do much then are they?
Tammy
Clive. Do go back. Your experience says you must have stayed in St Helier on your last visit. Wrong move. The island (in fact all the channel islands) is small enough to vist most or all places quite easily anyway - but you can make you experience so much nicer by not actually *staying* in St Helier.
Barry, Isle of Wight
Whoah there my fellow islanders (in a sense), one building is not going to destroy your tourism industry. My cousin lives in Jersey so I was down your way recently. What you need are events that can attract tourists to your island. The Isle of Man has the motorcycle TT and we have the Cowes sailing festival. Get something big which people can associate with the island, and I'm not talking cows and tomatoes here. When I tell people where i'm from alot of people will say to me "oh i've heard of Cowes and the sailing". Word of mouth and international reputations are built. Its called good PR. I'll let you lot mull that over while I go and complain on the Hampshire board about our terrible ferry service to Southampton!!
Francis
I didn't like the tone of the previous letter - but it does raise a point - Jersey was a great place to visit 20 years ago, when we did our best to attract visitors - in the meantime, we have used the finance sector to support us, and let the Island slip. People in the UK have their own drunken yobs to contend with - they don't want to see ours!
In my opinion, the Waterfront should be used as a 'flagship' development to show visitors the best of Jersey - turn it into the main eating and leisure shopping part of the Island - and leave the town centre for commercial development and 'practical' shopping areas - food/furniture etc - the shops that the tourists don't want.
Clive, London
You have to face some facts - I live in the South OF England, and I will always take my main family holiday in the Med - but I do take several short holidays (3/4 days) throughout the year.
In March this year I visited Jersey for the first (and last) time. I thought the Island was lovely - but our experience was ruined by the number of drunken yobs on the streets at night,
from now on we'll take breaks in more civillised areas!
David, St Brelades
Trevor says he's a proud Jerseyman, well so am I, and I want my Island to have a secure and stable future for my children, we can't rely on one sector anymore. We need to attract visitors, to stimulate some growth in the Island.
worried finance worker
It's amazing how many people seem to have hit the nail, very squarely on the head.
Our politicians either can't, or don't want to see the reality of modern day Jersey.
The sector that I have worked in for 20 years is falling apart - torn by external issues, and internally driven cost ones, we will always have a finance sector, but it will be different from the one that we know. It will employ a fraction of the people it does at present, and it will contribute much less in tax revenues.
Jersey needs to do something - and redeveloping tourism is probably the best solution.
But we can't go back to the old ways, The two 'battles' are past their sell by date, Jersey is too expensive for 'family holidays' - what we could do is build tourism to bring in the short break market - who tend to be "empty nesters" - early 40's and upward in age, whose kids have left home, and who have substantial dissposable income.
The Waterfront should be developed with those people in mind. It worked in Southampton, Portsmouth, Poole etc - and will work in Jersey, but remember , these people want quality and style, not cheap and tacky.
Conrad
Nigel,hi- £300 by plane or 7 hours by ferry is a bit of a problem.
Nigel
Conrad does have a point, I suppose in Bath we have become to accustomed to having so many tourists in our beautiful city, that we do sometimes forget how important they are to the local economy. I'm probably going to be put in my place, but my wife commutes to London to go to work and it takes nearly two hours at peak times, could people not work in Southern England or are ferry prices just too high??
Conrad.
Nigel from Bath misses a vital point, if you haven't got a job in Bath, you can travel to Bristol, or Swindon or whereever - we in Jersey don't have that option - our main sector, finance, is falling apart, we have no other industry to replace the falling tax revenues - we have got to develop the Waterfront in a way that attracts tourism, and do it soon.
Rob
I've just returned from a 3 week trip to South Africa, where the Waterfront debate is even stronger than ours. Due to the success of the Cape Town development, Durban is launching a new waterfront development to cash in on the revenue that these projects bring in. They have started with a focal point of an aquarium, and everything else will have a Maritime/Fishing theme.
A small town called Knysea, built a Marina Development 3 years ago, and as a direct result, increased tourism levels by 400% We should take note, these developments, done properly, will bring in tourists (of the right sort) but they need to be thought through properly, and not left to ad- hoc development - Burger restaraunts and cinemas are not the answer - Jersey doesn't have to reinvent the wheel - the blue-prints for Waterfronts are plain for all to see - but we are off to a bad start with States Housing and a daft clock!
Nigel from Bath
Oh give yourself's a break, i'm not from Jersey but there is nothing wrong with the complex that is built. As for the other UK posters, christ stop giving the place a bad rep, the UK has enough problems of its own. Here in Bath we have a new Thermae Spa (that taps into the natural springs under Bath) that is being built, but the contractors are causing all kind of chaos and putting the finish deadline back and back, and its causing all kinds of public complaints from the Bath public, so I can appreciate the problems. Bath relies a lot on tourism, but sometimes forgets to serve its population as well, so in some ways the complex you have built is good for the local population. Keep positive, the thing is built, stop moaning and try and force the issue so that better things are built in the future.
Michael
The answer is dead easy - jump on a plane - visit a dozen Waterfront Developments world wide - see what works, and copy the idea. So far, what we have is not promising - an ugly cinema and a basic cafe in the shape of a boat - wow !- that will really make a tourist travel 500 miles to see them !
Wake up Jersey - you've only got one waterfront , don't mess it up with committe decisions - chose a theme and stick to it.
Tony
In reply to Trevor - the fault lies with the Housing committe - who on earth thought it would be a good idea putting family's in the waterfront development - the flats should have been sold off (at great expense) to the private sector - and the funds used to build family homes with gardens some where else - Upmarket Waterfront Developments are not child friendly. This is the thrust of many previous commentators - the Waterfront must have a focus - it can't be all things to all people.
Every Waterfront Development that works has realised this - why does Jersey think it is any different.
Small kids playing (with pets) doesn't mix with Tourism - fact - get used to the idea.
Tammy
Why do people think it's always clubs and pubs that attract others? A beautiful, natural environment - not overdeveloped - and good food goes a long way to drawing tourists, including the younger ones. Why would anyone want to recreate what they live with every day anyway, namely crowds of shoppers, drunken spewmongers and noise polluters?
Trevor St Ouens
As a proud Jerseyman nothing what the states decide between themselves suprises me anymore, the Waterfront should be made completely family orientated something Jersey does not cater for, but no doubt it will be turned into some expensive stageshow that will lie empty and unused.
Also i have been told of two families that live in the flats opposite that have been told by the management company that their childrens pets "have to go", again family orientated? i dont think so.
Zippy
Jerseys going down hill big time. The states just keep shafting the very people who keep Jersey alive. They don't have a clue on what the people over here want. They need to sort themselves out.
Joanne
JERSEY RIP
Phil
As with many world attractions and developments, have an open international competition as to what should be developed. Setup standards and guidelines on what your objectives are such as providing economic return to the state and retaining the young to stay or return after university and other thoughts already expressed on this message board.
All the entries provide free advice. Pick and choose what ever seems right. Tourists love gambling, golf, water orientated activities and special events. Climate on Jersey begs for gardens and flowers. We can let our imaginations go from there. And let us not forget transportation. Jersey is not the easiest place to get to, especially from France and other European destinations.
Ashley
I dare anybody to do anything more with the waterfront. I cant imagine why anyone would want to waste the money, time and effort when everbody already knows what Jersey is like. Basically we are an island filled with reasonably wealthy people who are board and expect lots of interesting, great things to do but realise that the island is to small to sustain the level of entertainment that the majority of people demand. Also what has been built already on the site is clearly not built to last so why was it built in the 1st place ? Madness ! On a pesonal level id like to see a motorsport race track up there. Its not for everyone but then again that wasnt the question was it.
Seán
Steam clock, upsidedown boat ! What a joke !
Seán
Like I said before, flatten it. This island is dead on it's feet. It is a comptete hole.
Wayne
Well Where do you start ? You cant get tourists over here when every few months another hotel / guest house closes. You need beds for tourists to stay in before they can come here !! Think back a few years we had Belle Vue Pleasure Park, Fort Regent, FunLand, Guesthouses, hotels etc etc all things which you could take the family to and have a day out and somewhere to stay, what do we have now .... ummm...uahh... a couple of swimming pools, shopping center, and oh yeah nothing.
Battle of Flowers WAS a brilliant tourist magnet - but look how much it costs to get in, £7 to stand up, and about £20 to sit down EACH, multiply that for a family and you have just spent £100 for a couple of hours entertainment without refreshments, it is just too expensive.
We need something to attract the tourists and Jersey had an excellent oppurtunity with the Battle of Flowers as it is known worldwide now its pretty much died a death from both overspending in the wrong areas and lack of funding from the states , They should have put more money into what WAS effectivly Jersey's only tourist attraction which people came back year after year to see.
A hotel or two would be good so tourists can actually stay somewhere IF they come here, and why dont we think about putting something there for families to do, a few restauraunts, cafes, amusements parks, arcades, go karts for ALL ages not just those ones for young childen but we need some go karts for adults as well.
Instead of a bridge, why not have cable cars or a monorail around the waterfront and drops off at the weighbridge or that stupid Steam clock which Reg has already mentioned which runs on Electric, if you are going to do something do it properly, not half a job and the steam clock is an excellent example of this.
Why wasnt the cinema designed to look a bit more 20th century such as some of the other groups cinemas instead of the boring thing we have now ? You cant say it was to blend in with the surroundings ??
One thing Jersey has got though, and puts its self alongside the great wall of china as being the second man made object you can see from space, and thats the Normans Building in Canary Yellow !
Wake up States and smell the coffee, we are in 2003 not 1943, move with the times before its too late, your overspending on your projects is sending islanders away as they are fed up of paying for your mistakes.
Drew
The Waterfront needs to be better connected to the 'main' town - the Island site & bridge will be key to this. The architecture's fine, but the place seems unwelcoming partly because it's physically inaccesible.
The suggested 'international events' will only attract occasional anoracks. We are a small island surrounded by beautiful sea. Why not promote the all round attractions offered by our unique maritime environment/heritage/cuisine.
The Maritime Museum may be small but it's done really well. Supplement that with an Aquarium, good hotel, Rick Stein restaurant, marine themed shops etc & you would create a space that we as locals would be proud to be associated with.
The resultant 'feel good' factor will in turn usefully attract visitors. Cynically building things 'to attract tourists' will not succeed as those visitors will see through the ploy to simply relieve them of their money!
Carl
Well Sam, it's nice to be told I've a short sighted attitude and need to grow up! I will say this... Food fairs, and a good bonfire event last night... what more proof do we need that open ground for special events is a great bonus to the community?
Joe
I would like the States Members, and the WEB team to get on a coach, and visit several Waterfront developments in the UK - Plymouth / Southampton/ Cardiff/Poole and see just what can be done - the potential visitors from the UK will have high expectations - if we use typical short sighted Jersey thinking we'll disapoint and allienate them.
We have to remember its not the tourists who are currently coming to Jersey that the developments are for - its for the millions that don't come!
The world has moved on since the battle of flower days - Europe's tourists are getting more sophisticated - and Jersey is lagging behind - the extra air shows proposed last week will do nothing to help - those peoplle are allready coming - wake up Jersey !
Claire
The waterfront area needs those controversial bridges linking the area to the rest of town. I think the area ideally needs three - one near the steam clock (which incidentally I like), one near the abattoir and one at the top end near Le Fregate.
The bridges are a chance to have some truly exciting (and useful) modern architecture and will prevent the waterfront from being underused from lack of safe access.
Lynda
When is Jersey ever going to learn about joined - up thinking.
Nothing happens in isolation - Our states members should have seen the budget deficit coming a long time ago - we in the finance sector did over a year ago !
Jersey needs a second (and third and fourth) industries - we need to develop tourism like never before.
Hiking up taxes and cutting back is only one side of a coin - increasing income is the other. Developed properly - with outside investment to shoulder the burden, the Waterfront could be Jersey's saving grace.
A previous writer mentioned giving the land to Disney - this may have been said toungue in cheek - but it could ber a great idea!
Tony
Come off it Ruth, at £1 million per acre for a taxi rank and general recreation ! - no wonder the Island is falling apart with that kind of thinking - it's got to be used to create weath for the Island
Robert
The states have given an indication of things to come in the budget proposals. Anybody with half a brain should have seen this coming for the past 12 months. Our principle source of revenue is on a downward spiral - we need tourism !
However - the increase tax on drinks, fags, etc will drive away the 'traditional' Jersey tourist.
We need to move into the 21st Century world of tourism - we need to develop the Waterfront into an upmarket 'classy' area, that will attract a more affluent breed of high spending visitor.
Many of the suggestions already made are fine. Art Galleries / Museums/Sculpture parks/ Good quality resaraunts - these are the things we need - not playgrounds for our kids, or meeting places for our teenagers.
wayne highfield
i want the skate park to be extended because of the size not all my mates can go. please do somthing about it
Mary
The recent budget proposals highlight the foresight of many of the contributers - Jersey needs more income !
We must use the Waterfront to attract more visitors.
ruth
I think is should be an area that is serviced for recreation of all sorts, but there needs to be a taxi rank there!
Alexis
I think they, should not allowed to build any more home on the waterfront, they should use the rest of the site for shop's & Entertainment, make the waterfront a place for people to have a good time.
Dewi
It would be nice to think that WEB or or even some states members would get to read some of the comments that have been made.
I have just read through them all, and generally, the writers seem to be more up to date with affairs than our States members.
Before moving to Jersey I ran of couple of reasonably profitable companies, The trick is to keep spending down, and income up - dead easy ! (not quite) in the case of Jersey - it has control of its costs - but less so over its income - The finance sector is shrinking through external reasons over which we have no control.
Our current states members seem to recognise half of the problem, and are trying to cut costs - but are doing little to improve revenue.
There are probably a few ways to do this - but the easiest is to re-build the tourist sector and the Waterfront is the ideal starting point - but already we have have states housing on prime real estate, I believe a mistake - we can't afford any more - this development must move upmarket to draw in International tourists - the kind of visitor who visits all year round - we need facilities to apeal to them - galleries, sculpture parks, botanical gardens - these have already been suggested - together with top class eating facilities, and a 5* hotel for them to stay in.
Bob
Let's just give the land to Disney- they will do the research to find out what international tourists want - and build accordingly - then we'll have a world class facility that people will actually come to Jersey for !
David
Jersey people are so short sighted, and the politicians can't be trusted to make a sensible decision. We should bring in outside people who can take an objective view. Jersey folks are to close to the woods to see the trees.
Luke
Whatever we do it must be of the best 'quality' - part of Jersey's problem is that it 'half does' things - we need world leading things not sad little copies. Why not offer Rick Stein a Jersey 'franchise' and have one of the world's best seafood chefs operating from our Waterfront - how about an Aquarium next door - how about oyster and champagne bars - there is so much potential - but so many people have sad little ideas and no imagination
Toni
An Art Gallery.
A Sculpture Park
A Museum
Good Restaurants
Quality Shops
Trisha
I agree with Mabel.
I've only been in Jersey for 4 years and I love it - there is so much to do in a few square miles - my children also love it. People over here have no idea how lucky they are.
But my worry is will they be able to stay when they are older. My husband and I both work in the finance sector - and we don't believe it will be the cash-cow for ever. If it does decline - where will our kids work ? - we need to diversify - and a year- round tourist sector is the obvious option.
Mabel
I've lived in Jersey all my life, and I'm sick of hearing people moan - My kids are 8 and 11, I don't want some 'new' playground for them - I want Jersey to provide an environment where they can stay and work without having to leave.
Jersey needs an industry to provide year round - sustainable jobs - with all due respect to the previous writer, an amusement arcade won't do that ! - we need to develop a proper year- round tourist sector to suppliment the finance sector.
This would bring income to the Island - increase job oppurtunity for our youngsters, and improve the quality of life on the Island.
babs
What about a large indoor fair ground/ amusement arcades etc
Julie
Responding to you Mike, once the pool is closed at Fort Regent, how long will it be before the other facilties dissapear, i agreen the play area at Fort Regent is marvellous, i just hope it stays put and like you say their would be no need for more soft play area at the Waterfront but a large outdoor play area would be good.
We have nothing the St Helier / St Clement area of any substance parks such as Millbrook, St Andrews and St Brelade's are wonderful but what happens to the locals that do not drive and two adults and three children on a bus return soon adds up to an expensive day out
Sam
Carl I think you are the one with the short sighted attitude - grow up - we already have havre des pas - I like the waterfront.
I like the swimming pool, it is just the right size for me and my family, the flumes are great as is the outside pool.
I think it should be developed even further, maybe a cafe/resteraunt quatre. A hotel, art gallery, bowling alley, ice rink that kind of thing.
THAT is what our children and childrens children are going to want, the days of being happy with a patch of grass are long gone - we are living in the 21st century now not the 19th. Jersey is a different place, the world is a different place and so our children are also different to those of the last 100 years.
Carl
If it's not mixed use, it becomes a ghetto - look what's happening with vandal yobs in the area. If they didn't waste space with USA sized roads and pavements, we could have fitted in far more. The whole town center could fit within the site, yet what do we have? Nothing of interest at all.
A pool too small and boring, dull overpriced cinema, over-sugared/salted fatty fast food... I have NO reason to ever visit the place. Waste of space! They should have put a road network in (on a Jersey scale) and sold off irregular sized plots for housing. It could have ended up as pleasant as the Havre Des Pas area, but no it had to be ruined by short sighted over-planning. A typical Jersey mess up.
Level the remaining parts and grass them over for future generations to enjoy without them wondering why we spoiled such a goldern opportunity.
Open space could be used for so many things, special events, funfairs, guernsey-style Battle of Flowers, sport, etc. Deserted and windswept for half the year maybe, and not exactly mixed use, but now we've gone so far I think we should stop before it gets even worse.
The whole thing is a blot on the landscape already, and annoys me every time I drive past. And believe me, I carry on driving past alright!
Sam
Nice idea but there is still 75% of the site to develop that isnt going to be filled by a hotel (already allocated in the 25%?) and an art gallery - surely on such a large site there is still room for family things.
Tony
A great Hotel -World class restaraunts- a quality art gallery- there are loads of things - Jersey is OK for 4 months of the year - we need something to fill the planes, the hotels, the taxi's in the winter months.
Other cities have done it.
Someone mentioned St. Ives - why not develop a "Tate offshore" galery -for every painting they have on display, they hav four in storage - St. Ives gets over 1000 visitors a week out of season - imagine what that would do for jobs and prospects for this Island.
Tony - St. Brelade
My kids are now grown up - so It's really not for me to comment, but I think people in Jersey expect too much - kids in the UK have to travel miles to use facilities - we have great swimming facilities, bowling, go-karts, trampolines etc - I agree with Olive - The Waterfront land is too expensive for kid's playgrounds - Le Pas have given an example of the value of Waterfront land - let us use this to build something special that Jersery can be proud of.
John
Sam, I'm not talking about 'old' people, - I used my Mum as an example that you can't satisfy everybody. If the Waterfront becomes a centre for the Island's families - it won't attract other visitors - and in that case - who will pay for it ? -
Sam
Fair point John. BUT what about the young families in the island (like mine) who want somewhere to go. There are only so many times you can go to the Zoo together, the primary point I was trying to make and appologies for it not coming across so well was that we need things like the cinema, go karts, skate parks, bowling allys (in town) and swimming centres.
I would also like to see a skating rink, art gallery, large shopping centre with big department stores, and maybe a major concert venue. We need things for young families to do in the island, and not so young ones, like I already said there are parks everywhere - I dont want more parks, I want a good, fun waterfront that is lively and family friendly.
What about pushing Jersey as a 'family break' destination, somewhere people can bring young families that isn't to far away from home, but has everything for a good time over a few days in the summer.
John (again)
In reply to Sam's comments - the issue is that tourists (of any sort) bring in revenue, our local kids (my included don't) I don't think we should turn the most valuable bit of land in Jersey into a playground and teenagers meeting point.
Correctly developed - The Waterfront would generate a huge amount of revenue for the Island - (which could be used to build the Town Park, and give the kids a proper place to play.)
K P.
It is a sad fact of Jersey Life that a large number of children live in town properties that lack space for playing. The Waterfront will by default become their 'area' - this is fine unless we want to encourage tourism.
I agree with a previous writer - Jersey needs to do all it can to encourage visitors - especially high spending ones. Our politicians have allowed us to become a 'one -horse town' over the last 10 years, relying exclusively on the finance sector.
The Waterfront - if correctly developed, would kick start tourism, and bring some much needed spending into the Island.
Reducing the need for Tax increases or the introduction of VAT
Sam
I really like the waterfront site, I have a young family and it is a great place to go.
The island isn't JUST about tourists, there are a lot of young people in the island that have been craving somewhere to go and this delivers it. It's great for teens and young families.
I like the colours and layout to, its bright, vibrant and alive unlike most of the old buildings in the island.
Steve
I first visited Jersey in 91. I have just had a another great week. However who ever let the Waterfront and associated developements ever get past the planning stage. The whole area looks like an out of town retail park that is found on the mainland.
I cannot believe that this eyesore is heralded as the future. Please take care of your national heritage . Thats what we like about Jersey. I will stick to St Ouens side of the island . Thanks.
James Cullen London
I first visited Jersey for a long weekend a few years ago - and was very unimpressed. We came in April, and stayed in what we we told was the best hotel in St. Helier. The hotel was very average, and not up to international standards, we were dissapointed with the shops, and likewise the restaurants, and put off by the 'yobs' on the street at night - we vowed never to go back. -
However, a friend and colleague moved to Jersey, and this summer we went over again for a few days. We saw a toatally different Jersey, and had some great meals in a few excellent restaurants.
The problem that I think you have is that you do not have a tourist centre - visitors like myself would never find certain places without some local knowledge.
In my opinion, the Waterfront could be used a focus for tourists - you could put a number of restaurants/hotels/shops. Currently the sea front area seems to provide plenty of burtger and chip type places - but your excellent restaurants are hidden away.
Mick (again)
I hear what Paul is saying, but the facts are that Jersey, with great scenery, fantastic coastlines, and generally much better weather than the UK is struggling to bring in visitors - the UK towns mentioned aren't - they are obviously doing something right - we aren't.
B Dentley.
I believe that Jersey needs some form of facilities to draw in a new generation of tourist - the bucket and spade period has gone, and we appear to appeal to an 'elderly generation' This is fine, but these folks won't be here forever - who is going to replace them ?
The Battle of flowers is past its sell by date, as is the Battle of Britain day.Attendance figures confirm this. These events are great, but will not bring in the younger generation that we need.
At the same time we do not want to become the new Ibiza - attracting the clubbing generation that 'Annoyed' wants will not bring in income.
I feel we need to move 'upmarket' and try to turn Jersey into the sort of place that would appeal to "the weekend break" market year-round.
Some sort of facility that compliments the new gardens at Rozel would be ideal.
Paul, London
In reply to Mick's comments, I think you've missed my point. Jersey is not a Cardiff or like most towns so Jersey should not do the same thing, otherwise why should I waste my time flying to Jersey. That's not to say Jersey can't be imaginative and build themself a good sophisticated entertainment quarter which is in keeping with the rest of Jersey but brings something new. You don't just through out the old when bringing in the new, look at how really successful world cities compliment what they have with imaginative new schemes. That's my comment about good hotels, you don't have many and don't fool yourself into thinking that you have, the majority of them are old seaside style dumps. Come on Jersey you have a lot to offer, don't be so down on yourself - make it happen.
Robert Williams
Some years ago, the locals in St. Ives scoffed at the idea of bringing the Tate Gallery to the town - now it brings nearly 1 million visitors a year, and has turned St. Ives into a year round tourist destination.
5 years later, 20 miles up the road, the locals scoffed at the idea of filling a dissused quarry, with plants - now the Eden Project is one of Europe's leading attractions.
In Cardiff, the locals couldn't grasp the concept of building a barrage, flooding the bay and building 'a waterfront' - now Cardiff Bay is pulling in 1000's of tourists a week. The Maritine Museum in Plymouth brings in similar numbers...... the list goes on. Tourism is changing, what Jersey needs is the confidence and vision to develop the site in a tasteful and imaginitive way.
One thing that the developments mentioned above have in common, is that they have turned 'summer' resorts into year round destinations, drastically increasing out of season tourist numbers and transforming local economies.
Be warned Jersey, a few more cafes, a couple of shops, and yet another block of flats won't do this.
Mick, St.Helier
Paul says don't follow the lead of other UK towns regeneration plans - as 'someone who visits Jersey' he's missing the point - 'these other' towns have been hugely successfull in attracting visitors - Jersey isn't - if we keep doing the 'same old thing' we'll get the 'same old results' I agree with the comment 'Wake up Jersey' - we can't rely on the Flower Festival and Battle of Britain for ever - there is a whole new generation of tourists who aren't coming to Jersey - we are stuck in a time warp - time to face the future.
James W
So far so good. We need more. An out of town shopping centre would be a great way to bring in the tourists with ex-VAT goods. A few restaurants too... at the moment there are only clubs and 'fast' food outlets (KFC, Pizza Hut, etc.) I disagree with 'Annoyed.' I feel that the area has great prospects and with more developed land should be a people magnet. What do you mean Liquid isn't a proper club?
Paul
As someone who likes visiting to Jersey you should definitely take the opportunity to increase the number of good quality hotels and bars and restaurants. Don't make it the same as every other town that's regenerated in the UK, otherwise what's the point of coming over to Jersey!
Bob.
As a relative newcomer to the Island I cringe when I see what is happening at the waterfront. Jersey has got to have one of the best waterfronts in the world, with the potential, if developed well, to attract visitors from all over the world - but what have we got so far ? - a block of flats and the ugliest cinema I've ever seen. Has nobody in authority over here got any vision?
David G.
I agree with Nigel, we should look to other cities with great waterfront developments (and waterfronts not a patch on ours) Wake up Jersey - this is the only chance to get it right - don't mess it up like you have done with so many other development oppurtunities.
Annoyed
What Jersey needs right now is a proper club for clubbers, Liquid & Folies are not proper clubs. Also there needs to be places that ATTRACT people to the waterfront rather than drive them away. It needs some restaurants & more cafes, bars & shops over there before it is seen as a descent place.
Nigel, St. Brelade
I agree with Andrew Perchard completely, we need a 'focal point' particularly for tourists, a 'cafe quarter' would be ideal. Having travelled extensively, I believe a problem that St. Helier has is that it has to satisfy the needs of business, the local community, and tourism, (and does it all badly)
Just look at Cape Town, Sydney, or nearer home, Southampton or Cardiff, who have set examples of how Waterfront Developments, can transform cities.
These developments have one thing in common and that is providing areas where tourists who don't know the area automatically head for. Thus enabling the tourist to see the very best a town has to offer.
Lets face it, St. Helier isn't the most attractive of towns following years of badly made planning decisions. Why not try to steer tourists into our National Treasures, rather than have them wandering aimlessly around the Town Centre.
CAT
It would be great to have a proper community centre with activities available to young and old
Andrew Perchard
We should have continental style bars and restaurants overlooking the bay. There should also be plenty of opportunity for 'al fresco' dining during the summer. With the wide promenades to stroll along this should be the focal point of St Helier as the Royal Square has been kept as it always was (what a waste !).
