Property company Le Masurier unveiled plans for Bath Street which include 145 flats and a 122-bedroom Premier Inn in what would be one of the biggest single development projects St Helier has ever seen if given the go-ahead. 

And Bernie Manning, chairman of the North of St Helier Association, believes that the plans could provide a welcome and much-needed boost for the area. 

He said: ‘It is needed. That end of town has been looking quite sad for a long time and hopefully this will breathe a bit of life into it. 

‘Le Masurier came up with a similar scheme a few years ago which was knocked back by planning. Hopefully, this time they will be able to move forward with what they are proposing – possibly with a few tweaks.’ 

The plans include 145 one and two-bedroom flats, a new Premier Inn hotel and improved pedestrian access from the Millennium Town Park through to Halkett Place. 

In 2010, Le Masurier unveiled major plans to revamp the Bath Street area which included knocking down the former Odeon cinema and replacing it with flats and shops. 

However, these plans were shelved in 2012 following discussions with planning officers. The former Odeon cinema was subsequently sold to the Freedom Church. 

The latest scheme has already received backing from St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft and a formal planning application is expected to be submitted within the next few weeks. 

Mr Manning added: ‘My main concern is the parking. I would like to see a parking space per unit of accommodation. 

‘There is a shortage of parking already in the north of St Helier and this would stretch that. 

‘Having said that, I believe it is to be welcomed that something, at last, looks like it might be done in that area.’ 

The plans will be on public display at special drop-in events which are due to be held on Tuesday 9 April between noon and 7pm and Wednesday 10 April between noon and 2pm and 4pm and 7pm at the Freedom Centre – the former Odeon cinema.