According to a planning application lodged by Helier Benest, of ROK Homes Ltd, following the development of a large amount of A-grade office space across St Helier there are now several older office buildings lying empty.
A design statement accompanying the application and compiled by Waddington Architects says that adapting redundant office space in St Helier into homes had been ‘welcomed as a positive planning initiative’.
The design statement added: ‘Our proposal is to demolish part of the existing, worn-out office buildings to create a west-facing courtyard and convert the remaining [office] accommodation into new residential homes. We propose creating 39 one- and two-bedroom units with private amenity space and a private shared central courtyard. The creation of new A-grade offices along the Esplanade and at the Jersey International Finance Centre has left a significant number of outdated office buildings no longer in demand.’
If approved, the site’s central two-storey buildings would be demolished to create a private shared central courtyard for residents.
The design statement adds that the La Motte street granite façade would be renovated with a ‘light touch’ and also gives details of a proposed art project that could be incorporated into the development.
‘In 1798 the site was sold to Jacques Hemery for 31 quartiers of wheat and he then built Hemery Row. An initial idea would be to develop abstract remelted waste glass “wheat kernels” which could then be incorporated in the gate metalwork,’ the statement said.
‘The metalwork frame for the kernels could be fairly easily formed and welded and then these could be arranged at varying heights to add interest and intrigue.’
The application added that existing parking for up to seven vehicles would be retained.
Other office blocks in the area that have been changed or are in the process of being redeveloped include: the former NatWest International offices on Bath Street, which are being turned into 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments; the former Royal Bank of Canada premises at La Motte Chambers in Colomberie (55 apartments); and the conversion of 22 La Colomberie into a Co-op store along with 19 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Meanwhile, the former offices of Kleinwort Benson at West’s Centre were recently demolished and 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments are currently being built in its place.
