CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on a major development of 139 homes overlooking St Aubin’s Bay.

Jersey Development Company’s Westward scheme will see the former government planning offices at South Hill redeveloped, with the listed building on the site restored and converted to house a staffed concierge service.

Work is due to begin after JDC secured legally binding pre-sales representing at least 25% of the development’s gross value and entered into a fixed-price construction contract.

Legendre, whose Jersey office has operated since 2016 and previously delivered the Horizon development at the Waterfront, has been appointed as the main contractor.

Of the 139 apartments, 35 are being offered to eligible first-time buyers through a shared-equity scheme as part of the development’s planning agreement. More than half of those homes have already been sold.

A further 35% of the open-market properties are available to first-time buyers through JDC’s Deposit Payment Plan, which enables purchasers to reserve a home without paying a large deposit upfront. JDC said the scheme had helped 117 first-time buyers onto the property ladder since it began in 2015.

The development has also attracted interest from “right-sizers” seeking modern, lower-maintenance properties and looking to release their existing homes onto the market.

JDC chief executive Lee Henry said: “The start of construction at Westward provides a welcome boost to the local construction industry, supporting local jobs while creating new homes for Islanders.”

The project will also include a major upgrade of the neighbouring Parish of St Helier children’s playground, creating a modern and fully inclusive play area.

Other public improvements will include new toilets, better pedestrian routes, a new South Hill footpath and pedestrian crossings, upgraded lighting and the resurfacing of part of the road.

Legendre managing director Thomas Vandecasteele said the project reflected the company’s “long-term commitment to Jersey over the past 10 years” and would create further benefits for the Island and its community.