THE government is due to present an anticipated programme of projects to the construction industry before the end of the year, according to the chief executive of the Jersey Development Company.
Lee Henry told the Public Accounts Committee that the “forecast construction pipeline” was intended to help assess the capacity of the sector and inform it “as to what is going to be coming down the track”.
He made the comments after committee lay member Philip Taylor asked about collaboration with other entities such as Andium Homes, and whether they liaised over the “phasing” of work given the constraints of the Island’s construction industry.
Mr Henry said: “The government has actually taken the lead on this at the moment and is due to be presenting, to the construction industry in Q4 of this year, effectively a programme of construction work – a forecast construction pipeline.”
He continued: “That is effectively to, first of all, inform the market and the industry as to what is going to be coming down the track, to then assess the capacity.
“I think the Economy Department’s chief economist is going to be inputting into that as well, to assess what the capacity is of the industry and it’s also to ensure that the construction industry is prepared, both in terms of skills training, etcetera.”
Mr Henry added: “That said, in an ideal world, I absolutely agree we wouldn’t be releasing projects to the market at the same time. For example, you would always look to phase that in a certain way.”
Later in the hearing, PAC chair Deputy Inna Gardiner asked whether Andium and JDC projects were included in the programme.
Mr Henry said: “Yes – my understanding is Jersey Development Company, Andium, Ports of Jersey as well as government, will be in that profile, in that forward forecast that will be presented later this year.”
His comments come just days after the managing director of one of the Island’s main building merchants welcomed government plans to ensure long-term investment in public infrastructure and increase the supply of affordable homes.
Normans’ Martina McGibney said the newly established Jersey Capital Investment Fund, which is intended to protect key infrastructure projects from short-term political pressures and economic volatility, will make a “significant difference” to Jersey’s construction sector.
