Storm-felled trees turned into benches for market

A bench made from a tree destroyed by the 2023 storm

Timber from trees destroyed by Storm Ciarán has been used for new benches at a Jersey market in a move aimed at encouraging shoppers to stay there longer.

The benches were commissioned for the entrance to the Central Market at French Lane as part of a plan to develop Jersey's traditional markets.

The design was inspired by the architecture of the historic St Helier market building, which is home to nearly 40 independent traders.

It follows a strategic market review in 2022 which said there was insufficient seating.

'Enhancing the environment'

The report said: "The market experience would be improved if more customer seating could be provided, both shared spaces as well as more seating internally and externally at kiosks."

The benches were made by local collective Racc'moder from Holm Oak trees collected from a pile of timber at La Collette destroyed by Storm Ciarán in 2023.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, pledged "to enhance public-realm attractiveness" in the government's Future Fit Retail Road Map, launched in December.

The government said: "While these two benches may seem like a small addition, small things count in enhancing the environment of the place."

'Local timber'

It hoped extra seating would encourage islanders to stay at the market for longer.

Racc'moder's Xanthe Hamilton said: "The design honours the beauty of Jersey's natural resources and a sustainable approach to production, making the most of our precious resources.

"We salvaged 70 tonnes of timber from the La Collette green waste site following the storm and invested in a mobile wood mill to make the most of our local timber."