THE not-for-profit organisation selected to take the lead of the regeneration of the empty Les Creux Pavilion has said it is “delighted” to become the preferred tenant.
Jersey Community Land Trust, which was established by local architect Josh Noad and community project specialist Xanthe Hamilton, was announced as ‘lead party’ on the St Brelade project by Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan in the States Assembly on Tuesday.
This followed an invitation for ‘expressions of interest’ by the government followed by potential bidders making their case for before a panel of independents and civil servants from different departments.
In response to the public announcement, Mr Noad said: “The Jersey Community Land Trust are delighted to have been chosen by Jersey Property Holdings as the preferred tenant for the Les Creux Country Park Pavilion space.
“We thank the minister and government officers for recognising the opportunity presented in our initial proposal. The JCLT has received good support so far from government and parish officials, and the parish deputies whom we have spoken to have all welcomed our proposals.”
He added: “The JCLT have also been engaging with other organisations that were initially unsuccessful in the bidding process to assemble an updated proposal. The JCLT look forward to supporting the government in progressing our vision through the planning process, ensuring the involvement of the community through engagement as these plans progress.”
St Brelade Deputy Jonathan Renouf, whose question seeking an update on Les Creux in the States on Tuesday had prompted Mr Jehan’s announcement, called on the minister to do all he could to expediate the redevelopment of the empty former bowls clubhouse and green.
He said: “This building has now been empty for around two years and is in danger of becoming another government asset that lies empty and deteriorating to the despair of Islanders.
“It is mystifying that – given the “lead party” was appointed many months ago – that so little progress seems to have been made. The minister needs to roll up his sleeves and make sure that whatever issues remain are sorted out fast.”
Fellow district representative Deputy Montfort Tadier also said the process needed to be expedited.
He said: “When I am out about in the parish, I am often asked about what is going on at Les Creux. People are disappointed about the lack of ability to use the café and potential community hub, which especially at this time of year would be very valuable to residents around and users of the country park.
“I have deliberately kept away from seeking to influence the decision making process, as it was important that the tender process was free from political interference.
“However, it is disappointing that while we, as constituency representatives, were first informed of the identity of a preferred bidder in confidence in September, it has taken so long for this information to become public.
“I think it is also fair to say that government communication and consultation with the local community on Les Creux have left a lot to be desired.
“The proposals as they stand are potentially exciting, but I still feel there is a job of consultation for Mr Jehan to do with the local community to do before any final permissions are given.”
Pictured: a vegetable competition hosted at Les Creux Pavilion in 2015
