Elizabeth Harbour Consultation Survey Overview

In Autumn 2022, we asked Islanders to give their views on our proposals for the redevelopment of Elizabeth Harbour as part of a public consultation on the future of St Helier Harbour. We also asked for feedback on what the harbour area as a whole means to Islanders. We received 464 responses to the Elizabeth Harbour survey.

Following the close of the public consultation, we can now give an overview of the results. These valuable insights have helped us to refine the design for Elizabeth Harbour, given us a better understanding of how Islanders are currently using the harbour area and considerations of how we might develop future projects. 

We would like to thank all those who provided feedback to the consultation. 

99% of participants responded to this question. 

79% of participants responded to this question.

• The majority of respondents use Elizabeth Harbour as vehicle passengers 

Respondents that selected “something else” submitted: 

• Foot or car depending on my needs 
• Car and trailer
• Recreation - walking around the area
• Nearby stakeholder
• Local business owner
• Pick up passengers who are visiting
• I rarely use the actual Harbour, but often walk in the surrounding areas 
• Fishing with Grandchildren
• Ferry car driver
• Boat owner
• Previous employee of Condor (2016 season)
• Live at Albert Pier / Elizabeth Harbour

74% of participants responded to this question.

• The majority of respondents travel to Elizabeth Harbour using a vehicle

Respondents that selected “something else” submitted: 

• Motorcycle: 12
• Dropped off: 2
• Ship: 1 
• Other: 4 

73% of participants responded to this question.

• The majority of respondents use Elizabeth Harbour 1-4 times a year

69% of participants responded to this question.

309 participants responded regarding cars and campervans: 

• Yes: 47% 
• No: 19% 
• Don’t Know: 34%

303 participants responded regarding pedestrians:

• Yes: 46%
• No: 14% 
• Don’t Know: 40%

285 participants responded regarding freight transport:

• Yes: 45%
• No: 11%
• Don’t Know: 44%

293 participants responded regarding bicycles: 

• Yes: 39%
• No: 13%
• Don’t Know: 48%

288 participants responded regarding wheelchair users: 

• Yes: 29%
• No: 11%
• Don’t Know: 60%

51% of participants responded to this question. An overview of feedback is:

• Comments provided which support the redevelopment proposals and how the harbour needs modernising
• Comments made about the desire for improved facilities in the new terminal building 
• There was interest expressed in further detail on the proposals, particularly the road layout
• Queries about the capacity of the passenger car queuing lanes
• Concerns about the amount of traffic on the roads surrounding Elizabeth Harbour and the impact this could have on neighbouring residents
• Concerns over fright movement on the roads surrounding Elizabeth Harbour
• Comments about the co-location of freight and ferry operations, particularly noise levels for neighbouring residents
• Questions raised about the future of New North Quay
• The importance of ensuring historic nature of harbour is maintained during development was highlighted, as was ensuring it’s cared for in future
• Points about the positive impact of the proposals for St Helier Marina and Albert Pier moorings and users

48% of participants responded to this question. Many themes from the previous questions were repeated. An overview of feedback is:

• Comments about the current terminal building being aged and not fit for purpose
• Queries about how the current building is not fit for purpose anymore, when it was only built in the late 1980s
• Views that the new terminal building should be more passenger friendly, with better access for those with restricted mobility 
• It was felt the new building is in a better location and would be a much improved first impression of Jersey for visitors
• Comments on how foot passengers would board the ferries and if the proposals include upgrading the foot passenger tunnels
• The lower height of the new terminal building was welcomed, with comments about how our proposals will improve views of Elizabeth Castle
• Comments about what facilities would be included within the new building, such as restaurants, rest facilities and waiting areas
• A number of respondents talked about the need to promote Jersey as a brand
• Questions about harbour operations and future construction

*An architect’s impression of what the new passenger terminal at Elizabeth Harbour could look like. Please note, this is not the final design.

46% of participants responded to this question. An overview of feedback is:

• Comments and suggestions about the facilities provided within the new terminal building
• Comments on the provision of adequate space for pick up and drop, along with parking provisions at Elizabeth Harbour
• Comments about the inclusion of shelter from the elements for waiting foot passengers and cyclists, and the provision of storage or cyclists 
• Requests for making the building accessible to all users  
• Suggestions the new terminal building will be a welcomed first and last impression of Jersey for visitors
• Further comments on providing views of Elizabeth Castle
• Queries on the design of the suspended deck and how the spending beach will be protected 
• Questions about the possibility for cruise ships to visit the harbour 
• Further concern expressed about the small space allocated for freight and ferry operations due to the co-location 
• Queries about ferry operations and future schedules 
• Comments on the lack of public transport directly to Elizabeth Harbour
• Requests to accommodate elderly or disabled passengers travel from St Helier to Elizabeth Harbour 
• Suggestions the harbour should accommodate cruise ships 

We are currently finalising the planning application for Elizabeth Harbour. The feedback received as part of the public consultation has provide valuable insights into where our proposals can be refined. 

As part of our planning application, we will provide a Statement of Community Participation, which will include a summary of the feedback received and the response to this feedback from the project team. This will be available to view on the Government of Jersey website, once the planning application has been submitted.  

We would like to thank you again for providing such valuable feedback, which has helped the team to refine our design for Islanders and all those using Elizabeth Harbour. 

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