Minister says delays to new school 'not an option'

Deputy Rob Ward, Jersey's education minister, says the primary school will replace inadequate facilities

Jersey's education minister has called on all sides to work together to "build a better future" for the island's pupils.

Deputy Rob Ward said plans for a primary school to be built on a site formerly used by Jersey Gas near Millennium Park in St Helier were a "moral and civic priority".

However, a proposition from Constable of St Helier Simon Crowcroft has asked the government to review the plans. Members of the Friends of the Millennium Park have also criticised the plans and believe local opinion has been ignored.

Ward said the new school was needed to replace inadequate and outdated facilities and delaying the plans was "not an option".

He called on all sides to engage in discussions around the project and visit the existing schools to "understand the urgency" of needing a new school.

Ward added: "Let's work together to build a better future - for our children, our community and our town."

'Facing a choice'

The education minister said arguments against the school based on Jersey's falling birth rate were missing the point, in his opinion.

"Some claim falling birth rates mean we don't need new facilities," he said.

"But this isn't about increasing capacity, it's about replacing inadequate schools."

Ward added the government's plans had already been allocated funding while proposals to extend the park - which Friends of Millennium Park chairman Bernie Manning said would be better - had not been costed.

"We face a choice - thoughtful, integrated planning that meets educational, environmental, and community needs - or fragmented ideas that ignore the realities of our town," Ward said.

Members of the Friends of Millennium Park believe more people would like to see an extension to the park

Speaking previously to the BBC, Mr Manning said he did not think St Helier's deputies were doing enough to reflect the views of residents.

Mr Manning said most members of the Friends of Millennium Park who he had spoken to did not think a new school was needed and would rather have a park extension.

"With the amount of people now using the park, we definitely need to extend the park all the way to St Saviour's Road," he said.

In his proposition, Crowcroft said he would like the Council of Ministers to present a report to the States Assembly by the end of 2025.

He said he would like to report to include an assessment of the need for a new school, have up to date financial projections and the traffic impact of the plans.