From Helier Falle.
What a real shame discussions are being held regarding the removal of Minden Place multi-storey car park. Surely those putting these proposals forward must realise that if this car park was removed (in favour of I believe a public square), this would eventually sound the death knell for both the Central Market and the Beresford Market.

These two historical market places are treasured gems and provide a focal point for the town. Both are real working markets, something which both the States and we as an Island should try and retain at all costs. Guernsey lost their market some years ago and I know many over there are envious of what we still have.

The proposal to replace the Minden Place car park with a new multi-storey car park at Ann Street may work for commuters and for residents in the Ann Street area, but for shoppers it is just a little too far from the markets to be practical. Any proposals to create more car parking for commuters should consider extending the existing Green Street multi-storey car park and/or consider a multi-storey car park within the existing Snow Hill car park.

If the markets are to continue and prosper, they must be easily accessible for shoppers and as we are very car-dependent here in Jersey, we must cater for those who wish to shop in town by car. Nobody is prepared to walk too far these days, especially weighed down with bags of shopping.

If the States are determined to see through the removal of Minden Place car park, then perhaps a more feasible solution would be to create underground parking beneath the Central Market, with passenger lifts perhaps exiting out into the market itself.

Yes, there would be cost and civil engineering factors which would need to be considered, but the idea should at least be investigated as a possible alternative. After all, there are many cities in France where there are multi-level underground car parks beneath the markets, such as in Rennes, Tours, and Bordeaux, to name just a few.

Construction costs could then be recovered via the parking charges. In a case like this, employing French (not UK) civil engineering consultants with experience in this field would be beneficial.

Yes, there would be major disruption while the works were in progress but creating such an underground parking facility, right smack bang in the town centre, would be a small price to pay to prevent both markets ceasing trading and the Island losing something really special.