The imposing Needle structure commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the Queen Elizabeth II and was unveiled in 2004 by Prince Charles on a visit to the island. Reclamation - Plus ca Change!
 | | Old sea wall on the Esplanade |
The modern apartments which run parallel to the harbour here mark the boundary to the reclaimed land which has become today's Waterfront development. In the early 1980s the sea reached up to the rear of Albert Pier with the sea wall now being used as the boundary between the Esplanade and the open-air Esplanade car park. It is easy to forget now the rows which emerged over the construction of the underpass, which we all now take for granted, or indeed the issues over contaminated ash beneath buildings or the Les Pas saga. Whatever your view, it is almost certain today that a good deal of the remaining open land on the waterfront will be developed, creating a new leisure and business district for St. Helier. Most recently the Dandara/Eric Kuhne proposals for the Castle Quay segment of the Waterfront have been causing a stir because of the proposed height of the three central towers at the heart of the scheme. In the opposite direction the full scale of Mont de la Ville, which we have just circumnavigated, can be appreciated. On top stands Jersey's last major defence - Fort Regent complemented by the sweeping arches of the 1970 scheme which provided a roof above and leisure facilities beneath.
 | | Mont de la Ville above St. Helier |
To the right of the Fort stands the now defunct swimming pool at the top of the Glacis Field. This area was kept clear on purpose as a deterrent to potential invaders who would be afforded no cover. In the foreground is the Maritime Museum, Occupation Tapestry Gallery where Albert Bedane’s medal and certificate and medal can be seen. The Lighthouse memorial on New North Quay stands in memory of those from Jersey who were deported to Nazi concentration camps during the Occupation. Moving back to the Start At the Needle head down the steps and then along the edge of Albert harbour towards the old abattoir on the Island Site. Skirt along the edge of the harbour towards the Maritime Museum and then cross back to Liberation Square on the other side of La Route de la Liberation. | 
Introduction