Andium Homes chief executive Ian Gallichan first expressed an interest in Warwick Farm on Grande Route de St Jean, which is currently being leased to grow hemp, last year, claiming that it would be an ideal site for 200 affordable homes.
The social housing provider is among a number of parties which have shown interest in the former States nursery site, which was shortlisted as a potential site for the new hospital.
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft has said that it should be converted into a country park and last year lodged a proposition calling for a feasibility study to be carried out on such a project. His proposals were withdrawn, however, after it was revealed that Jersey Hemp has a nine-year lease on the property, with a five-year break clause.
Former Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel said at the time that a feasibility study would be carried out when the next Island Plan is agreed in 2021.
Mike Porter, Andium’s head of operations, said that the States-owned firm, which has been funded by a £250 million bond to develop affordable housing, is still very keen on the site.
‘Each States-owned site could provide an opportunity for more homes, if they become available. So any site for us is of interest,’ he said.
‘We are, as an organisation, particularly interested in one or two sites – Warwick Farm in particular. We are still very interested in acquiring that site.’
It was announced earlier this week that the States are planning to move the majority of their backroom staff to a new interim headquarters in the former RBC building on Broad Street.
The move will see large buildings such as Cyril Le Marquand House and South Hill eventually decommissioned and potentially sold.
Mr Porter confirmed that Andium would be interested in buying and redeveloping any buildings which become available.
‘We do get very closely involved with the States and Jersey Property Holdings and we have a commitment to deliver 2,000 homes by 2025,’ he said. ‘There are a number of sites that we have had some success with in acquiring, such as the Jersey Gas site and Jersey Brewery site. And we are very keen to acquire sites that are no longer needed by the States of Jersey.
‘But again the States needs to go through their own process of ensuring that they have no better use for them and we are keen to take those that are available to be redeveloped.
‘It’s an ongoing relationship. We have, for example, picked up the Ann Court development from Jersey Property Holdings.’
