The company, which is part of UK-based Morgan Sindall, has been involved in numerous prestigious building projects, including the recently completed States Chamber refurbishment, the Opera House, the Airport departures building, Morier House offices, Maritime House, Park Heights apartments in Old St John’s Road, and La Moye, Bel Royal, and Grands Vaux schools.A head office spokesman said: ‘We are very sad to be leaving Jersey after ten years of living, working and building in the community.
The Island’s construction focus has moved away from our main areas of interest which are education, commercial and leisure.
Construction demand is now on housing development, which is not our core business.’The withdrawal process will be gradual and phased over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure that we meet all our contractual obligations.
A total of 17 jobs – 11 staff and six operatives – will be affected by the closure.
However, we are discussing with those people other opportunities for work within the company.’ Deputy Gerald Voisin, president of Economic Development, said that his committee was sorry to see any business stop trading in Jersey.
‘This is an understandable reflection of the reduced level of construction activity in the Island and an indication that the industry is going through a very difficult time at the moment,’ he said.’Those people who are considering building projects, especially the States, should commit to supporting local contractors and consultants to ensure their continuing commitment to training for the future of the industry.’Stansell’s parent company recently reported upbeat interim results, with profit before tax of £10.4 million, compared to £7.3 million in the first half of last year.
However, the construction division suffered losses in 2002 following restructuring, with Stansell in Jersey the only one of the six regional companies not included in the Bluestone rebranding.Mark Palfrey, president of the Jersey Building and Allied Trades Employers Federation, said that Stansell had earned the respect of the industry for their high standard of work.
‘As a member of the federation they have been active in promoting health and safety and have played their proper part.
I think they will be missed.
It is a shame and will leave Jersey with less choice, but it is much better to see UK-based firms going back there than to see local firms going to the wall,’ added Mr Palfrey.Currently the volume of construction work in Jersey is 50% down on 2002, with a value of around £60 million compared to more than £120 million this time last year, although activity is expected to pick up by mid-2004.
