VIDEO: Jersey’s ‘Master Plan’ approved

The works, which will take up to 10 years, include replacing the Elizabeth Terminal, removing the Albert Pier terminal, building 24-hour access berthing pontoons, redeveloping two piers and regenerating the Old, English and French harbours.

“Much of the harbour infrastructure is ageing and no longer meets the needs of today’s passengers or vessels,” said the Ports of Jersey. “The Plan aims to modernise the facilities, which have developed piecemeal over many centuries.”

Elizabeth Harbour will be the starting point, with the upgrade of ageing infrastructure considered an urgent need.

Urbanism and architecture firm Broadway Malyan has been contracted to oversee the works to the passenger terminal, which ‘takes a curved form that responds to the coastline’.

“Our harbours have been Jersey’s lifeline for hundreds of years, and they have constantly adapted and grown over time in response to the needs of islanders and tech developments,” said the Ports of Jersey. “This master plan is the next step in the evolution of our maritime heritage.”

Indeed, 98.6% of all goods arrive in Jersey through the port, with around 470,000 ferry passengers making use of it last year, according to its Annual Report.

The Ports of Jersey did not say how much the works are expected to cost, however two years ago, Early Information released put the figure at around £40 million (€48 million), but at that stage the works were given a lifetime of just two years.