A ST Helier office building could be used to turned into “much-needed” hotel accommodation, if a major planning application is approved.
A application has been put forward by MAC Architectural Services on behalf of Vadis Ltd that, if approved, would create an 89-bedroom hotel – with a restaurant and bar – by converting and extending Union House on the corner of Union Street and Le Geyt Street.
The project would involve the demolition of six one-bedroom residential units and the conversion of eight floors of office space.
It would also see the construction of an additional floor on the southern part of the site and four additional floors to the northern section – rising to ten storeys and eight storeys respectively.
A restaurant and bar would be provided on the ground floor as part of the proposed hotel.
In a cover letter accompanying the application, MAC Architectural Services managing director Matthew Collins stated that Union House is in a “poor condition” and that “its use as an office is currently redundant”.
He continued: “The exterior of the building is dated and in need of replacement and the building’s services inside are inadequate.
“By retaining the structure of this building and converting it into an 89-bedroom hotel within the existing footprint and structure provides a very sustainable development in the heart of the built-up zone of the Island Plan.”
Mr Collins also noted that the building currently has approval to be converted into 27 apartments under a previous planning application.
“This is a live approval and the proposed hotel scheme fits within the approved envelope of the residential scheme with no proposed height increases to this,” he added.
“The hotel use negates the need for balconies so these have been removed which reduces
the mass of the building from that already approved.
“The balcony removal also improves the impact on neighbours opposite and has been positively received when presented to nearby residents.”
Mr Collins contended that the development would provide “much-needed hotel accommodation in a central town location”.
