03 July 2025
Plans for a memorial and garden to remember those who died at Haut du Mont have been
unveiled.
Family members of the 10 people who died and those who lost their homes in the explosion in
December 2022 have been closely involved in the design and features of the garden which will
be built at the site on Pier Road.
Government of Jersey Principal Architect Barry Freeman has been working with the families to
incorporate their wishes into the design which will soon be submitted for planning permission.
Among the details the families and former residents suggested are the inclusion of the
favourite flowers of those who died and a separate play area for young children.
The garden will feature an area where the names of those who died will be captured on
seating and separate quiet places where people can sit, reflect and look at the view across St
Aubin’s Bay.
Karlene McGinness, whose mother Kathy died following the explosion, is among the family
members whose views have been incorporated into the design.
Speaking on behalf of her family, she said: “We’re really pleased that the plans for the
memorial site are now progressing.
“Our mum’s home always had an incredibly welcoming and warm feel, which was reflective of
the loving, happy, and caring person that she was. So it’s important to us that the memorial
site has personal elements which can reflect the kind of person that she was. There’s clearly
been a lot of thought given to making sure the design and details have a personal feel, and
we’re pleased with that.
“We hope that once it’s in place, it’ll be a pleasant space where we can go to reflect,
remember our mum, and reminisce with our family and her friends about all the good times.
“Our mum loved nothing more than playing with her grandchildren. It will certainly be a place
we’ll go with our children to play, talk about all our lovely memories of her, and keep her
memory alive.”
Architect Barry Freeman said: “This has been one of the most heartfelt and important things I
have worked on in my 33-year career.
“Working so closely with those who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes has been
a privilege, and we have done our best to incorporate all their requests into the final plans.
“I hope the memorial and garden will become a place for all Islanders to reflect, remember
and heal, whatever they are going through. I also hope it will stand as something that will help
future generations to learn lessons that may avoid other tragedies.”
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