THE Waterfront plans have passed the first planning hurdle.
Environment Minister Freddie Cohen has confirmed to the Waterfront Enterprise Board that, subject to further work and conditions, he is ‘minded to approve’ the plans. That effectively means that the ball is in Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf’s court. He is due to receive reports soon on whether or not Harcourt, the proposed developers, will be able to put the money together to carry out the project.
If the reports say that they can do the work in the current uncertain financial climate, and Senator Ozouf agrees, he will take a proposition to the States, who will make the final decision.
The controversial plans have been drawn up by Hopkins Architects. They feature a development of 14 blocks containing 621,700 sq ft of office space, and 400 flats, with 1,420 underground parking spaces, a 30-bedroom hotel 65 self-catering apartments and three public squares and a covered winter garden. The plans submitted also include lowering Route de la Libération from Gloucester Street through a tunnel to the eastern end of the existing underpass.
• Picture: The Esplanade car park will be lost if the proposals are approved by the States
