Apple crusher will stay where it is, minister confirms

Plans to move a granite apple crusher feature in Jersey have been scrapped following a "significant" public response, a minister has said.

The structure was due to be relocated from King Street to Howard Davis Park in St Saviour as part of a £2.5m project to resurface and revamp nearby Broad Street.

On Friday, the Constable of St Helier called for the "beautiful, colourful, much-loved feature" to be retained in its current position, while hundreds of people also shared their views on the proposals on social media.

Minister for Infrastructure Jonathan Renouf confirmed the apple crusher would remain where it was after a "significant body of public opinion" and plans for the area would be revised.

The apple crusher was installed in 1978 to commemorate Jersey's historic cider-making heritage when King Street and Queen Street were originally pedestrianised.

In a statement, Renouf said: "Following the significant public response to the proposed relocation of the apple crusher, I have decided to withdraw that element of the Broad Street scheme.

"The original design would have delivered important improvements to the public realm, including strengthening the link between King Street and Broad Street, creating additional opportunities for outdoor seating, and allowing for further tree planting.

"However, it is clear that a significant body of public opinion wishes to see the apple crusher remain in its current location.

"Having listened to those views and to the Connétable of St.Helier, I have instructed officers to redesign the scheme so that the apple crusher is retained."

Renouf thanked people who had engaged with the proposals, and added he recognised some businesses and stakeholders who had supported the original design would be disappointed by the "late amendment to the plans".

He concluded: "Our aim remains to deliver a high-quality improvement scheme for Broad Street that enhances the area while reflecting the views of the community and our heritage."

Businesses near Broad Street have previously expressed mixed views on the ongoing project to resurface and pedestrianise the road, while the proposals were last year described by former Deputy Jackie Hilton-Egre as "a vanity project".

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