‘Significant’ number of States buildings behind on maintenance work

‘Significant’ number of States buildings behind on maintenance work

This week Deputy Kevin Lewis was asked by Deputy Kevin Pamplin to list all States-owned properties maintained by Jersey Property Holdings that are in a condition ready to be sold. Deputy Pamplin also wanted to know how many of those properties could be used for other States services within three months and which of them were either not fit for purpose or in need of maintenance.

Replying to the written question, the minister said no such ‘for sale’ list existed and adapting redundant public buildings for different uses typically took more like six months.

He also did not detail those in need of maintenance but instead said: ‘The target is to have full statutory and health and safety compliance, and therefore a “fit for purpose” estate – ignoring serviceability issues arising from changing operational practices of the user departments.’

He added: ‘Inevitably, certain lower-priority maintenance falls behind planned programmes due to budgetary constraints. That position affects a significant part of the estate.’

Maintenance was prioritised, he said, with health and safety compliance first, followed by serviceability maintenance, asset-preservation maintenance and then decorative maintenance.

The minister said that the disposal of States premises was decided on wider needs, such as the provision of social housing, office modernisation and States development.

Meanwhile, Deputy Lewis also confirmed that plans to turn Piquet House in the Royal Square into a new home for the family court service were progressing.

Last year the minister supported a request from the Bailiff’s Office to transform the former military police station, which has fallen into disrepair and is empty, into more court rooms.

The Bailiff’s Office was then required to make a capital bid to the Treasury to adapt the property before the deal could be completed.

According to the minister’s answer this week, that bid has now been made.

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