WHAT’S the plan for the Island’s ageing schools, roads, and public buildings – and why have so many projects been delayed or shelved in recent years?
The government has said it plans to tackle the problem with a new 25-year capital investment programme covering the next 25 years – with senior ministers describing it as an attempt to address decades of short-termism and under-delivery across infrastructure, housing, education, and the public realm.
The proposals, published under the government’s ‘Investing in Jersey Programme’,
set out a pipeline of public projects, from affordable housing and school refurbishments to infrastructure upgrades and the redevelopment of Fort Regent.
If approved, the programme will be underpinned by a new Capital Investment Fund designed to ringfence funding for these projects to reduce the risk of delays while also supporting more consistent delivery across political terms and allowing for better long-term planning.
The fund will be included in this year’s Budget, which is due to be debated by the States Assembly in November.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the initiative responds to long-standing concerns about ageing infrastructure and a lack of planning across electoral terms.
“The Investing in Jersey programme reflects this Council of Ministers’ commitment to long-term planning, responsible investment and fairness for future generations,” he said. “The programme focuses on what matters most – homes, schools, community spaces and essential services, which means we can support families, create new opportunities for all Islanders and protect the unique character of our Island.
“We currently face significant challenges, but we also have a real opportunity to shape a future that rebuilds confidence, inspires the next generation, and ensures our Island remains a place we’re proud to call home.”
Deputy Farnham also described the plan as a “key step” in addressing Jersey’s demographic, economic and environmental challenges – including an ageing population, declining birth rates and the need for stronger sea defences – while aiming to support investment and make the Island a more attractive place to live and do business.
Treasury Minister Elaine Millar added: “Investing in Jersey is about long-term thinking, disciplined planning and responsible use of public funds. The Jersey Capital Investment Fund will ensure we can deliver key projects without the uncertainty of short-term politics. It’s about prioritising what matters most to Islanders, homes, schools, infrastructure and public spaces, and providing stable funding to make that happen.”
The plan groups the capital investment into several main categories: housing, infrastructure and utilities, education, and community spaces.
The JEP took a look at each of the areas – and what Islanders can expect:
Housing
Providing affordable housing for families, key workers, and older Islanders is described as one of the “most pressing challenges” facing the Island in the plan – which aims to deliver 400 affordable homes per year over the next decade.
The document detailed how too many Islanders are locked out of the housing market, which is contributing to falling birth rates and making it harder to recruit and retain key workers.
The plan includes:
- More family-sized housing (two-four bedrooms) through Andium, JDC and private partnerships
- New homes for key workers, particularly in health, education and emergency services
- Expansion of shared equity schemes such as Homebuy and First Step to help young Islanders get a foot on the property ladder
- Relaxing housing restrictions on registered workers in specific sectors
- Housing for older Islanders, including downsizer properties and retirement communities
The report reads: “Access to affordable housing is a critical issue for Jersey, particularly for younger Islanders and families who face high property prices and limited supply.
“The Government is taking a comprehensive approach to address this challenge by increasing the supply of family-sized homes, supporting key workers with dedicated accommodation, expanding access to home ownership through shared equity schemes, and meeting the needs of older Islanders with more downsize and supported living options.
“These efforts aim to encourage, and help, young people stay in Jersey, support family life, and contribute to reversing the Island’s declining birth rate.”
Infrastructure and utilities
Priorities for the Island’s infrastructure include extending mains water and drainage to every home, improvements to roads, a rolling programme of school refurbishments and a new headquarters for the Fire and Ambulance Services.
Key elements include:
- Increased road resurfacing
- New footpaths and cycle routes
- Expansion of the drainage network and new stormwater management systems
- Extension of the mains water network and investment in PFAS treatment technology
- Long-term water resource planning
- Improvements to sea walls and flood protection infrastructure
- New homes for children in care
- A new Ambulance and Fire Headquarters
- Phased programme of school refurbishments
The report states: “By upgrading roads, modernising drainage and water systems, improving public buildings, and reinforcing sea defences, this programme will improve everyday services, protect Islanders from environmental risks, and lay the groundwork for future social and economic growth.
“These improvements will not only enhance public health and safety but also unlock the potential for new homes, support more sustainable transport, and ensure that vital public services, from education to emergency response, are delivered from modern, accessible facilities.”
Schools, colleges and youth services
As well as school refurbishments and new builds, the construction of a new campus for further and higher education in central St Helier by 2032 is among the key ambitions of the plan – freeing up the Highlands site as one of the locations for affordable family housing.
Key projects include:
- A new Youth Centre at Ann Street Brewery (2025–2027)
- A new primary school at Gas Place (2027–2031)
- Relocation of Highlands College to a central St Helier campus (2028–2032)
- Redevelopment of Rouge Bouillon School (2031–2034)
The report reads: “The long-term plan to modernise Jersey’s education and youth facilities includes the phased refurbishment of schools to meet modern standards, the delivery of a new town primary school, and the redevelopment of Rouge Bouillon primary school.
“A new Further and Higher Education campus will be built in St Helier, improving access for students, strengthening links with employers, and supporting the town economy.
“Investment in youth services will also create safer, more accessible spaces that support early intervention and personal development.”
Community spaces
The plan includes investment in shared public spaces, including parks, the town centre, and sports facilities, to ensure they remain “accessible, safe, and well-used by all Islanders.”
This is alongside already announced plans to regenerate Fort Regent.
Key points include:
- Enhancing public areas in and around the town centre
- Delivering a new public car park in St Helier
- Upgrading key sports sites such as FB Fields and Le Rocquier to meet community and Island Games needs.
- Accessibility audits and upgrades, including level surfaces, signage, and rest areas
“Many of these spaces have not kept pace with changing expectations or the needs of a growing population. Some facilities are outdated, under strain from increased use, or no longer fully accessible to everyone in the community,” the report states.
“These investments aim to enhance daily life, support wellbeing, and ensure public spaces meet modern standards.”
Capital spending under Scrunity
The launch of the plan comes after a recent review by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found that capital expenditure in 2024 was £64 million below the approved budget – including a £45 million underspend on new healthcare facilities.
The PAC said several projects lacked delivery updates and recommended clearer reporting on progress and spending.
It reads: “Current reporting fails to clearly link budget allocations to actual expenditure and progress against milestones.
“To improve accountability, departmental annual reports should include a dedicated section on capital project delivery, outlining original budgets, actual spend, delivery status, and reasons for delays or reprioritisation.
“The Government should also publish annual cost forecasts and value-for-money summaries for all major Infrastructure and Environment subsidies to strengthen financial governance and improve scrutiny.”
