A NEED for “clarity” over the future of plans for a major Broad Street development has been highlighted by a St Helier politician – who has said it is “deeply concerning” that building has not commenced nearly two years after the scheme was approved.
Deputy Max Andrews made the comments after developer Le Masurier told the JEP there was no update regarding Les Sablons, its £120 million project to regenerate the area including 238 apartments and a 103-room aparthotel.
It was given approval in December 2023, following a lengthy and controversial planning process in which the scheme was initially refused by the Planning Committee.
Earlier this year, Le Masurier – which had previously previously highlighted that construction costs and interest rates had risen significantly since the Les Sablons application was submitted – revealed it was still “considering” its next steps.
Deputy Andrews said he had previously thought that, once planning approval was received, the developer would “go straight in and build”.
He added: “Because the longer they leave it, the costs will just increase – and that’s already been a problem across the industry.”
Deputy Andrews described the situation as “deeply concerning” and revealed he would be asking Environment Minister Steve Luce whether he had been in contact with Le Masurier.
In June, Deputy Luce said he was “unaware of any reasons that may lead to the development not being completed”.
Deputy Andrews contended there was a need for “clarity as to what is actually happening”.
