Poll finds town's popularity falls by 16%

The popularity of Jersey's main town has gone down by 16% in two years, a poll has found.

The Opinions and Lifestyle 2024 survey found St Helier had reduced in popularity from 72% in 2022 to 56% in 2024.

It said 56% of people who took part in the survey were "satisfied" with St Helier.

New guidance and opportunities for Jersey's retail sector, which aim to revitalise the island's town centre, were published by the government in December - focused on turning St Helier into a "bustling retail and cultural hub".

St Helier South deputy and town retailer David Warr said there was a range of issues he believed were affecting its desirability.

He said: "It reflects, dare I say, the carnage in town in terms of roadworks, the lack of ability to get around easily and parking accessibility which is the biggest issue.

"We have the Esplanade car park, which is currently a building site at the moment, we've got Kensington Place where the hospital is going to be built, which could be very much what I call 'meanwhile use' car parks."

In September 2024, ministers dismissed calls for parking in St Helier to be free on Saturdays.

St Helier Central deputy Lyndsay Feltham said the cost of living crisis was affecting the parish.

She said: "People find it more expensive to go out - they will be looking for the cheaper deals and potentially looking online so we need to work really hard to show that this high street is vibrant."

Ms Feltham said she hoped work would be done to the town in response to the poll.

"I think it's important for our economy.

"I think it's also important for our wellbeing as well."

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