visitors from far and wide. The question is, where could it be?
St. Catherine's Breakwater has been described as ‘surely the folly to end them all’ as it was never finished. It has frankly to date had limited use for fishing and leisure but its original purpose was to form a harbour of refuge in the mid 1800’s for merchantmen in times of poor weather but also available for the British government as the French had strengthened and enhanced their ports such as Cherbourg and were posing a greater risk to the English.
e s it as
nal e mid 1800’s for
s
Today, if we extended the arm from the existing breakwater across to Mont Orgueil, it would create a sheltered watersports arena that could attract competitive sailing, swimming and triathlon events and provide a safe area for visitors to carry out water- based leisure pursuits. Moreover if dredged, the outside of this new breakwater could accommodate cruise liners with all the potential economic benefits that could bring. A new deep water berth might also attract new ferry operators to the island who currently would struggle to use the harbour in St. Helier. This could offer more options for visitors and local travellers, including sports club members who often have limited and expensive choices. Maybe Brittany Ferries might be interested as their ferries sail close by on their way to the UK. From an investment perspective, the inner side of a new breakwater would offer new deep water berths for local boats and yachts that would offset the cost of construction.
a r that
Working with The Ports of Jersey, the funding for such projects could prove a good investment even at £50-60m. It would bring in more visitors, create more jobs
orki i h Th
and businesses and help diversify the economy. The best way of funding it could be the direct way by issuing something like 60m £1 shares which would be used by local savers and investors as a nest egg or a pension.
This expanse of sheltered water could also open educational opportunities for children and adults alike and it could even provide a site for a Seaworld type of park. The legendary Gerald Durrell’s vision is alive and kicking at Durrell zoo. Who would not want something similar for our marine environment?
As an island of tremendous entrepreneurial spirit, I believe that such an investment in local infrastructure would afford a bright future for sport, leisure, employment, transport, health and the local economy. As an island we need to be bold and back ourselves to deliver in an increasingly competitive world, much as we did nearly 50 years ago when we developed Fort Regent.
Nobility is not a birthright but rather it is defined by one’s actions. So, let’s dream big!
PAUL MUNDY BUSINESS CONSULTANT
|ADVICE ON STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS | | SUPPORT FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS | | MEDIA AND MARKETING EXPERTISE | | CSR ADVICE |
| HOW TO INNOVATE| PO Box 726, Greencliffe, St Helier, Jersey. JE4 0XJ Tel: +44 (0) 1534 859006 • Email:
ceo@tbalimited.com • Website:
www.tbalimited.com Page 66 A sporting Island
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