Government announces preferred location for new headquarters building

Cyril Le Marquand House has been announced as the government’s preferred site for its new offices.

Negotiations between the civil servants behind the project and Jersey Office Developments (1J) Limited have reached their final stages and, subject to planning permission, it is expected that construction could be completed by 2024.

The government will lease the building for three years once completed, with an option to buy during that time. If that option is not taken up, the government is expected to agree a longer-term lease.

The government claims that having a new headquarters on the site will reduce their office building requirement from 21 to six – saving around £7 million per year – and release sites for housing.

Cyril Le Marquand House as it appears currently. The Magistrate's Court, in the foreground, is not included within the plans. Picture: MATT HOTTON. (30255210)

Chief Minister John Le Fondré said: ‘A new, modern and fit-for-purpose building will reduce our operational costs and address the legacy of underinvestment in office accommodation for our employees. It is important that we improve the working environment, not only to support employees’ health and wellbeing, but to enable improved teamwork and collaboration across teams and departments.

‘However, I am very pleased that we have reached this decision. It is positive for Islanders and for our town and will be a major step froward for our modernisation programme.’

The news comes weeks after a ministerial decision signed by Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis was published, and later withdrawn, indicating the government’s intention to take on a 25-year lease with LMN Jersey Investments Ltd at 31-41 Broad Street and 19-29 Commercial Street. The site is further west from the government’s temporary Broad Street main offices.

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