Trees to be planted in St Helier improvement works

Efforts to create a "more welcoming pedestrian environment" in St Helier are due to begin over the coming weeks.

The Government of Jersey's Infrastructure department said the trees would be planted on Broad Street and at the Western Bus Gate.

Existing trees will also be looked at to see what can be done to improve their growing conditions.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said the planting of "semi-mature trees" would bring some "instant greenery" to the area.

Plans to create a more "vibrant core" in St Helier have been part of government policy for many years.

Prioritising green spaces, pedestrians and overall attractiveness were key parts of a strategy published in 2021.

Since then, the King Street - New Street crossing has received new paving stones with a similar project progressing on Broad Street.

Those works, which include the installation of granite paving, new street furniture and planting as part of a £2.5m revamp, have proved divisive.

Constable Jehan said: "We will be planting eight new semi-mature trees in ground in Broad Street and on the Esplanade, bringing some instant greenery to those spaces.

"The trees are being planted using engineered tree cells, a modern system for urban tree planting that provides space for the soil underneath, without compacting it.

"This means roots can grow without damaging our infrastructure, ensuring a more sustainable space for trees to thrive."

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