'No final decision' on planned Apple Crusher relocation

Jersey's Infrastructure Minister says he's listening to concerns expressed over plans to remove the Apple Crusher on King Street... and insists no final decision has been made.

The government has been looking to remove it as part of plans for the redevelopment of Broad Street, but there has been a fierce backlash to the idea from hundreds of islanders, after a post from the Parish of St Helier.

The Parish is concerned that a previous consultation may have been missed, and Constable Inna Gardiner has admitted to being one of those people.

She wrote:

"I've been told that the Government would like to remove/ relocate the Apple crusher.

"Personally I love this traditional, beautiful space in the centre. Apparently sometime ago it was a consultation that I missed. What are your thoughts: to keep or to move?"

In a statement, Infrastructure Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf said:

"I have heard the concerns that have been expressed by members of the public and the Parish regarding the future of the Apple Crusher, and I want to reassure islanders that I am listening to the views being expressed.

"The work we are doing on and around Broad Street is intended to enhance the public realm while respecting the area's history and character.

"While the current approved design assumed the removal of the Apple Crusher, no final decision has been taken and we are committed to working constructively with the Parish and other stakeholders to understand the issues that have been raised.

"It is worth recalling that the proposals showing its removal have been publicly available throughout the development of the scheme. These proposals were displayed and discussed at a public exhibition over a year ago, and the plans published online have consistently shown the Apple Crusher removed.

"Significant design work has been undertaken over an extended period, in consultation with stakeholders and any substantial redesign would result in additional cost and delays, as well as potential impacts on the quality of the scheme and its ability to meet key project objectives.

"In particular, the aim of the changes in this area are to allow greater opportunities for al fresco, to improve connectivity between King Street and Broad Street, and to allow room for tree planting.

"However, my priority is to listen, engage and consider the options carefully. We want to find the best way forward for Broad Street that delivers a high-quality public realm while recognising the strength of feeling that has been expressed."

Broad Street is being paved and pedestrianised in a two year long government project to 'make town more vibrant and attractive'.

It has an expected completion date of autumn 2027.