Floating Pods Approved For Jersey Marina

Two accommodation pods will be built in St Helier marina this summer.

Planning permission has been approved for six pods in total. Channel 103's been told the rest will be rolled out if the initial two builds are successful. 

Ports of Jersey is behind the project. It wants to create more accommodation for visitors and locals, creating a stronger connection with the harbour.

The aim is to attach the pods to the newly installed L-shaped pontoon near the Lifeboat Cafe.

Everyone is invited to book a stay in these unique new-builds, but Ports of Jersey wants to primarily target people arriving at the harbour in RIBs and other boats without cabin facilities. 

Each factory-made pod will have nautical-inspired structures with small decks and different colour schemes.

They will also be connected to the mains, with running water and waste removal.

Kim Gilbraith from Ports of Jersey told Channel 103: 

"Our primary aim was to provide accommodation to visiting yachtsman who don't have accommodation on board. So RIB owners and motorboat owners that might be visiting from France and the Channel Islands - it might be nice for them to have somewhere to stay that's next to their boat. 

But obviously, these will be available to anyone who'd like to stay in the marina.

We'd love for people who aren't used to be being in that sort of environment to be on the sea and having the gentle motion rock you to sleep - although I do say gentle, it is very sheltered in the marina."

The pods are possible after size rules for visitor accommodation in Jersey were scrapped this month.

The Economic Development Minister made an order ending the minimum size requirements for bedrooms, beds, baths and showers in hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation.

It was part of government efforts to remove barriers to business and allow for new types of accommodation, such as lodges, pods and glamping huts with more shared wash facilities.

"Ports of Jersey to Deputy Kirsten Morel for making changes to the law which makes it easier for units such as these to be passed.  It opens up many more opportunities for tourism in Jersey and paves the way for some interesting staycations."