A LAST-MINUTE bid to halt the “rushed” £2.3 million sale of the former Social Security building has been lodged.
Deputy David Warr is calling for a feasibility study and investigation of alternative uses of the site – which could include open space or public parking – to be carried out before any sale is authorised.
It comes after Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan confirmed a decision to sell Philip Le Feuvre House in La Motte Street, and the adjacent office block Huguenot House for £2,315,000. The two buildings had initially been marketed for £3 million.
Mr Jehan said that, while a higher total bid had been received, the accepted offer was a lower risk and secured more of the money up front.
However, Deputy Warr has lodged a proposition calling for the matter to be considered by the next States Assembly.
In his proposition, he said: “This is a significant property transaction in St Helier that is being rushed through by the minister ahead of the pre-election period without any proper scrutiny.”
The Deputy had to seek special dispensation from the Bailiff to lodge the proposition ahead of the last meeting of this term of office this week.
“Let me start by saying that I do not take lightly the impact of further delay on the sale
of this site,” Deputy Warr added. “It has remained empty for far too long, but there again that was time that could have been used researching the needs of St Helier and how this site in particular could be optimally developed.
“My fear is similar to that of the Constable of St Helier, more ‘town cramming’ rather
than recognising the wider needs of our community.”
He said that his proposition was “about recognising the wider value and opportunity for our society” rather than simply maximising the financial value of the site.
“What thought is being given to family homes, to more green space, to more play space? We know we have a mental health crisis so how does the development of this site
mitigate these health issues?
“Businesses in St Helier will be thinking about public parking provision and the positive impact this could have on the economy of town through greater accessibility,” he continued.
“The point of my proposition is to simply find the space to have a discussion around how we optimise the value of this key site in town. If ultimately the sale to a property developer is proven to be the correct one, then so be it, I simply ask that we just take a moment to look at the wider utility to our community.”
