Earlier this year, the St. Aubin Improvement Group was formed and met for the first time. Of the varied issues under discussion, none generated more comment than reclamation. Whilst it was agreed that parking, or rather the lack of it, was a priority issue, the majority rejected reclamation as a solution
However, there are those within the Parish who have taken taken a longer term view; one commented:
“St. Aubin has a history of continual development which has given rise to the thriving community and picturesque lanes which typify St. Aubin today”.
“Three hundred years ago St Aubin was simply beachfront. The houses at the waters edge followed a line from the Old Court House to the High Street. There was no Bulwarks, nor Harbour walls. The building of St Aubins Fort and pier resulted in St Aubin becoming the island’s then principal port. Solid granite houses for the merchants followed. The cod trade flourished here.
Around 1650 the States decided that St Aubin should have a jetty, and soon after boatbuilding established itself as a principle industry - all on reclaimed land.
Not until 1844 was a roadway completed between La Haule and St Aubin. Then in 1870 the railway came to St Aubin, initially supported on trestles, from La Haule to the Terminus Hotel (Parish Hall). opening up further business opportunities. The trestles were soon replaced by a solid sea wall, again by reclaiming land. This train services also opened up the Parish to tourism
Today engineers report that the North Arm of the harbour must be rebuilt. The Waterfront developers need to find a site for infill material. The Ministers seem willing to provide funds. They have said that an opportunity may not pass this way again. We need to consider whether we owe it to future generations to make a bold decision.
However, we should be cautious. Should we consider a binding covenant on any newly created land. Should there be an offer of a "quid pro quo" to existing village residents? Before anyone comes to a final conclusion, perhaps they should make an effort to understand the arguments - and the history. It’s a difficult issue for sure”