Jersey People's Park dropped from new hospital shortlist

A review narrowed the shortlist down from 40 to four sites

The People's Park in St Helier has been removed from a shortlist of locations for Jersey's new hospital.

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft called for the park to be removed, saying it was important to preserve the large green space for the people.

There was public opposition to the park being considered, with more than 1,400 people signing a petition.

Health Minister Andrew Green said he "lived in the real world" and had decided to remove it from the list.

Hundreds of people were in the Royal Square to protest the park being on the shortlist

Senator Green said: "Whilst objective assessments have found People's Park offers the best money, we have decided to accept the constable's proposition.

"I hope members will work with me and with the community to find the right place for a modern hospital."

Politicians voted to make about £300m available for the redevelopment of the hospital in 2013 as the existing site was considered outdated.

After researching different locations the cheapest development option was People's Park, expected to cost £440m, while the most expensive is to build on the current hospital site at £630m.

The remaining sites to be considered are the Parade, Overdale and the Waterfront.