Reversing bays to become new town skatepark

Plans to turn reversing bays in St Helier into a new skatepark have been approved.

The site at South Hill has plans to include moveable skatepark equipment, acoustic fencing, an accessible toilet and baby changing facility and CCTV, among other features.

Infrastructure and Environment said once the Fort Regent site was redeveloped, which is planned for 2028, the skate equipment would be moved there and the remaining site turned into a cycle park.

Phil Minty from Skateboard Jersey said having a central site would benefit young islanders and Constable Andy Jehan said it was a needed addition for the community. Opponents claimed there would be disruption to those living in the area and wildlife.

The planning committee approved the application by seven votes to one, under the condition the surrounding lights would be switched off at 21:00 as opposed to 22:00.

Minty said although plans were a scaled down version of the original skatepark at North Quay, which closed in 2018, it was still a "hugely valuable opportunity" for the community.

Jehan said the area "transcends sport and play" and was the "best place for young islanders" to enjoy sport at "a dedicated facility".

Jersey Sport's Jay Cracknell said another facility would "enable learners" to have a dedicated space to practise their cycling skills.

The project is part of the Government of Jersey's New Skateparks Project and has funding allocated under the budget for 2026-2029. In 2023, a £1.9m concrete skate park opened in Les Quennevais.

Deputy Andy Howell, member of the committee, said she was concerned for road safety and believed the suggested exit may not be used and instead the planned 1.2m fence (3ft 9in) would be "hopped" over.

Constable Deidre Mezbourian said she was concerned by the loss of the reversing bays for future learner drivers and said "kids will be kids" regarding the fence being jumped over.

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