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The Waterfront Enterprise Board, the organisation responsible for the Waterfront, hopes the new complex on Jersey's old abattoir site will be open in time for the Christmas trade.

The Managing Director, Steven Izatt, told BBC Jersey that he is confident it will include national and international retail chains when it opens.

Mr Izatt explained that a number of companies have expressed renewed interest in the development since the UK recession.

He said: "People were expressing interest and then went away. What's happening is that they're coming back because the criteria that a lot of these national and international retailers use is, they like to have a population of 100 thousand or above.

"Even though we're not that I think the perception is that our spending power on Jersey is such, an particularly in a downturn, that we may not go down as much”

The plans for the old Abattoir site were approved in two stages, the western end was approved autumn 2008 and the eastern end in January 2009.

Mr Izatt says the whole development includes shops, restaurants and a new nightclub.

However, it doesn’t include the worldwide noodle chain – Wagamama which was heavily rumoured to be taking on the old Tourism building last year.

Steven Izatt says they would prefer restaurants that use mostly local produce as this would be of more benefit to the island.

As for the Esplanade Quarter: Mr Izatt says provided the developers Harcourt approve a new draft development agreement, various States departments are happy with it and the house approves the whole scheme, then building on the Quarter should start in about a year’s time. 

Have your say

What chains would you like to see open in the new multi-purpose venue? Should priority be given to local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues – or should it be open to any company taking an interest?