A senior States source has told this newspaper that the Chief Minister intends to investigate the feasibility of constructing a new public-sector headquarters there, rather than the social housing development for which preparatory construction work is already under way.
Andium Homes’ Ann Court scheme, which includes 130 one-bedroom flats, 35 two-bedroom flats and four commercial units, was approved by planners last November. It comes at a time when the government’s new Common Strategic Policy puts affordable housing at the top of its priority list.
The source described delaying the construction work as ‘madness’.
Senator John Le Fondré refused to either confirm or deny that the housing development could be in jeopardy, but did reveal his intention to review the States’ property portfolio, including Ann Court.
He said: ‘We’ve got to make sure plans for Ann Court are a coherent part of the States’ objectives as a whole. It must fit into how we meet housing demand, urban regeneration for town, and office space. There’s a set of areas there that could knit together in a reasonably coherent form.’
‘This is all in the context of trying to have an overall high-level overview of what is happening from a property perspective in the St Helier area. It includes the States’ office strategy, Fort Regent and regeneration in town, while not forgetting the demand for housing.’
The JEP understands that the Chief Minister will meet the Housing Minister, Senator Sam Mézec, this week to begin ‘conversations’ about his ideas, with a view to coming up with a firm plan before the end of this year.
Senator Le Fondré said: ‘We also have to find brownfield sites [for housing] that we can accelerate. I can think of at least two but won’t name them yet, as they form part of a jigsaw. You have to make sure that when you come to a view about development, whatever organisation is on those sites is happy that you have a plan to meet their future requirements.’
If Andium Homes was to lose Ann Court, a suitable replacement would need to be made available.
The States have begun work to create an interim public-sector headquarters in Broad Street in St Helier. The previous government had earmarked La Motte Street as the eventual permanent base but the 2019 States Budget statement reveals that a range of possibilities is now being considered.
It states: ‘An Outline Business Case for Office Modernisation was approved in principle by the previous Council of Ministers. This OBC identified the La Motte Street site as the most appropriate location for a centralised Administration Hub and Customer Services Centre. A further examination of alternative sites and an associated business case is being developed. Once the business case is concluded, a proposition will be brought forward for the States’ consideration in 2019, including a funding solution.’
Andium Homes describes its Ann Court project as ‘exciting’, adding: ‘Enabling works are now complete, including the demolition of Toddy’s bar and the 12 other properties along Ann Street, together with the construction of a new JEC sub-station. It is anticipated that the main works will start at the end of this year, with completion due late 2020/early 2021.’
