Changes to foot passenger ferry terminal unveiled

Ferry passengers travelling from Jersey should have a much better experience now changes have been made to the departure terminal, Ports of Jersey has said.

The £500,000 refurbishment included opening up the restaurant into the area after security, a children's play zone, outdoor seating and toilet facilities for people with disabilities.

Operations manager for Ports of Jersey Robin Fitzgerald said it was an "interim change" until the planned overhaul of harbour facilities was finished.

He said replacing the passenger terminal would take at least eight to 10 years, but there should be "spades in the ground" for the marine work by the end of 2026.

Mr Fitzgerald said the departure lounges, made in the 1980s, were not designed for the footfall that passed through the terminal - with 300 to 400 foot passengers travelling per day.

He said the changes have tried to recreate an "airport style approach" and were made following passenger feedback.

He added that the next priority for Ports was to improve facilities for passengers travelling in cars, perhaps adding vending machines and a place to get out of the sun.

Andy Ison, director of new inter-island ferry company Islands Unlimited, said he was really pleased to see the changes.

He said it had made the check-in process much easier for the company and passengers could spend more leisurely time before boarding the ferry.

"I think it's absolutely fantastic," he said.

Barry Jenkins lives in the UK and travels to Jersey four or five times a year for work, as both a foot and car passenger on the ferry.

He said the changes to the terminal were brilliant and made his travel more relaxing, particularly with an earlier check in.

He added that there was a "weakness" for car passengers at the moment, who had to wait without any refreshments.

When passing through the terminal, Zoe Gosling from Visit Guernsey said it felt brighter and the passenger experience was definitely improved.

She said: "Wherever you're going you know first impressions count, but that is also down to functionality, customer service and all of those other things that make it a great rounded experience.

"If it's easy and enjoyable and everyone is welcoming then you feel like you want to go back."