REFORM Jersey have launched a bid to build a new primary school on the former Play.com warehouse site in town.
The proposed Government Plan sets aside funding to secure a site for a new town primary school, and proposes using the former Jersey Gas site at Gas Place.
But, in an amendment to the plan, St Helier Deputy Tom Coles is seeking to ensure that the former Play.com site – currently earmarked by Andium for the development of around 200 homes – is not ruled out.
Reform Jersey recently wrote a letter to ministers, which argued that the former Play.com site could provide ‘the required primary school facilities’.
In his amendment, Deputy Coles said: ‘The Play.com site (BOA Warehouse) has received planning permission for property development since 2017, which has recently been extended for a further three years. However, work on the site is yet to commence, despite indication that Andium will be progressing the construction of housing on the northern quarter following approval to acquire the site.
‘I believe that although the construction of affordable housing on the Play.com (BOA Warehouse) site is enticing, this site is better suited to be used for the location of the school.’
If the Play.com site was used, Deputy Coles said Gas Place could be used to extend Millennium Park instead.
‘Expansion of this park has been the topic of some debate, but it is clear that the benefits of a larger communal green space will aid the northern quarter, St Helier and the Island,’ he added.
The proposed Government Plan debate is set to begin next Monday.
