Minister pushes back on park extension campaign

Deputy Rob Ward said the decision to build a school was "agreed some years ago"

Jersey's education minister has defended plans to build a new primary school in St Helier after campaigners met to oppose to the idea.

In 2022 the states agreed a new facility would be built on the former Jersey Gas site and replace three existing schools - but the scheme has faced delays.

A meeting was held by campaigners on Wednesday, as they supported an attempt to have the site used to extend Millennium Town Park instead.

Deputy Rob Ward said the school plan was "agreed some years ago" and was "now at the point where we will be able to act on this".

'Joined up decisions'

He said: "The teachers in our primary schools do a remarkable job but they do so in facilities that are really outdated.

"St Luke's School, Springfield School, also La Passarelle Primary which is currently refurbished portacabins, is not adequate for the type of education we want in a modern society.

"This is the best place to place a school to give those children genuine outdoor, green play space to use - but also remember the old Springfield school site will become a new park."

Deputy Ward said "joined up decisions" had to be made in St Helier.

Constable of St Helier Simon Crowcroft said he was not calling for current plans to be scrapped

St Helier constable Simon Crowcroft, who spoke at the meeting on Wednesday, said he was not "calling for current plans to be scrapped" but wanted the government to reconsider the location.

He said: "My proposition which is being debated by the states is calling for the Minister for Education to reconsider the proposals to build a very large primary school on the only site that could be used to extend the Millennium Town Park.

"I believe the alternative of expanding the park is such a wonderful opportunity for the town, not just now but in decades to come, that it's worth having a second look at the other sites."

Bernie Manning, chairman of the Millenium Town Park support group, added: "The park has outgrown itself now and with thousands more people living in the area it is desperate that we extend it as soon as possible."

Constable Crowcroft will bring a vote to Jersey's States Assembly later this month asking ministers to reconsider their plans for a school at the Gas Place site.