Senator John Le Fondré has signed off a ministerial decision to temporarily convert the housing category of 45 flats at Hue Court so that they can be rented by ‘key workers’, rather then their previous use for social housing.
The units will provide 15 short-term ‘landing’ flats for new arrivals to the Island, as well as long-term leases and partial ownership opportunities, aimed at medical, social and child services workers.
According to the decision 42 one-bed flats will be available for around £900 per month and three two-bed apartments for around £1,200 per month.
The report accompanying the decision says that the reclassification of accommodation was required due to the Health and Community Services Department’s accommodation being ‘oversubscribed and some being substandard’.
‘This places a pressure upon the Health and Community Services Department to secure temporary alternative solutions to meet the housing requirements of these short-term locum and agency staff,’ it says.
‘These roles are usually to cover staff sickness or increased service requirements and as such accommodation is required at short notice leading to a significant cost incurred through hotel bookings or rental of serviced apartments.’
It adds: ‘The reason for this decision is to enable the occupation of accommodation by licenced key workers which includes doctors, nurses, social workers and other key children’s workforce professionals that are essential for the continuation of the delivery of vital services to the Island.’
Sir Mark Boleat, chair of Andium Homes, said that the government-owned social housing provider, which manages the property, was pleased to have helped provide this ‘solution for keyworkers’ at Hue Court.
‘48 units of accommodation have already been provided at Plaisant Court and these newly refurbished homes will add to the high-quality accommodation that is now available to the professionals we need to keep our public services operating efficiently,’ he said.
Hue Court, which consists of two large tower blocks, has undergone a refurbishment programme since plans to convert it to key worker accommodation were approved last year.
