As part of a new consultation, Islanders are now being asked what they think should be built on the plot which formerly housed staff from the Environment Department, and, for a short time, Jersey Met.
The results from the consultation, which is due to last until 14 February, are due to be used to help shape a design brief for the site.
A draft version of the South Hill Development Brief has been published which, once approved, will establish the general planning principles and provide design guidance for the development and future use of the site.
Once the consultation is concluded, the brief may be amended depending on public comments.
Environment Minister John Young said that it could also be used for affordable housing. A report last year found that Jersey would need to build 7,000 new homes by 2030.
‘It is a fantastic site which I know extremely well, having been fortunate enough to work there for some time. It commands fabulous views across the harbour and St Aubin’s Bay, and we need to consider how to optimise best value from it for the public,’ he said.
‘The brief balances the potential for high-value, open market housing with requirements to ensure there are improvements to the local area, including the public realm and improvements to maximise active travel, reducing reliance on the private cars.
‘The need for affordable housing will be secured either on the site or by its sale enabling other sites in St Helier to be released for affordable homes, which the developer will be expected to bring forwards. Alternatively, the site might lend itself to the development of a new hotel, perhaps with associated conferencing facilities. Either use would help to breathe some new life and activity into the area and catalyse its regeneration.’
He added: ‘Before I adopt new guidance, I want to find out what people think, what should the site be used for, what form of development do people want to see there and what improvements to the local area might this new development support.’
It is likely that the Jersey Development Company will be commissioned to redevelop the offices.
Anyone who wishes to take part in the consultation should visit gov.je/consultations or write a letter addressed to Strategy and Innovation Strategic Policy Planning and Performance, 19-21 Broad Street, St Helier, JE2 3RR.
