ROMERILS has unveiled proposals to redevelop its town shop and create almost 100 new homes.
The historic retailer and builders’ merchant plans to regenerate its store, head office and car parks in Dumaresq and Hue streets, its home for 72 years.
If granted planning permission, the redevelopment would see the introduction of 25-to-40 underground parking spaces, an increase in retail space of approximately 10,000 square feet and 59 one-, 22 two- and 13 three-bedroom apartments.
Under the scheme, the original frontage of the Romerils building would be retained, while its tallest section – on the northern side adjacent to the Hue Court flats – would grow from four to ten storeys.
Current regulations mean that at least 15% of the properties would need to be allocated for affordable housing, which could take the form of shared-equity schemes.
However, Romerils’ chair, Mark Syvret, said it was the company’s ‘hope and intention to do significantly more than that’.
‘While it is too early to say exactly how many we can make available under the affordable-housing scheme, I can say we will be exceeding this requirement, and by as many as the financial viability allows us to,’ he said.
Mr Syvret added: ‘For many years now, Romerils have been developing plans to contribute to the regeneration of what is a tired part of St Helier.
‘We believe the time is now right to proceed with these plans.
‘This project will not only enable us to provide an improved retail experience for our customers, but also enhance this area of St Helier with an improved public space and much-needed accommodation.’
He added: ‘This regeneration and investment into our retail business, and in St Helier, is a clear message of our intention and belief that there is a future in our type of retail.
‘We will continue to invest in our great team of people too, as well as delivering to them better showrooms and working environments.’
Around half of the site is currently made up of parking spaces, while the other half comprises nine ageing buildings from which the company operates its commercial activities, including around 20,000 square feet of retail space.
Islanders are being invited to view and discuss the plans at consultation meetings in the Town Hall today, from 12.30pm to 7pm, and tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm.
