THE first public workshops focusing on the proposed development of the waterfront were held over the past two days.

The Pomme d’Or Hotel was the venue for a repeat of workshops organised for States Members last month by Policy and Resources.

About 90 people attended the first two, held on Thursday evening and yesterday morning.

P & R’s chief executive, Bill Ogley, said they were pleased with the turnout, which represented a wide range of Island life and many new faces, including members of the Youth Council.

‘We have now got to think how we can make this information more widely available to the public,’ he said.

The workshops, which were hosted by P & R president Senator Frank Walker and chaired by RJAHS chairman James Godfrey, comprised presentations by Mr Ogley, Waterfront Enterprise Board managing director David Margason and Planning director Peter Thorne.

Those who took part were informed what WEB’s role is, what the proposed developments comprised and how the planning process would operate.

The issue of height, which has divided public opinion, was also explained in detail, with Mr Margason outlining how taller buildings would deliver more public amenities.

The workshops finished with questions and answers sessions.

Mr Ogley said the outcome of the sessions would be made public.

The next workshop will be held next week specifically for the Jersey Youth Council.

WEB are also planning workshops to show the public examples of waterfront developments in the UK and all over the world and to show how the developments will fit into the landscape through impressions from various locations.

Mr Ogley said the public consultation would continue up to and throughout the planning application process.