Ports of Jersey is applying for planning permission to replace Albert Pier’s No1 Bankseat, which supports a pedestrian ramp that provides access to the Albert Pier pontoons. The existing bankseat would be demolished and replaced with a new smaller one to support the ramp.
The original bankseat was built to serve roll-on roll-off ferries, but its supporting piles are in poor condition and ferries now berth at Elizabeth Harbour. The area has recently been used as a maintenance yard and storage area, but following recent assessments of the structure, use of this area has been suspended.
When the existing platform is removed, the edge of the quayside would be repaired, and the surface void reinstated with tarmac to match the surrounding surfaces. The existing road and parking layout would not be altered. The new bankseat will be constructed using reinforced concrete foundations to support a new steel frame installed above the foundation, and will be bolted to the pier wall at multiple points. A new reinforced concrete slab will then be cast on top of the steel frame so the existing pedestrian ramp can be reinstalled and maintain access to the pontoons.
Construction would begin in 2026 and take approximately 6 months. There will be some minor disruption to pier and pontoon users when the linkspan bridge and pontoons are temporarily removed, but access to the end of the pier for local businesses, anglers and pedestrians will be maintained during the demolition phase. Once work on the land begins, it will be phased to minimise any impact on traffic and pedestrian access to the pier.