Monday 20 May 2024
Select a region
News

Old school rules broken to pave way for new States

Old school rules broken to pave way for new States

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Old school rules broken to pave way for new States

Wednesday 14 September 2016


The road is now open for a new States headquarters in La Motte Street that could be ready in 18 months' time.

States members have now agreed to remove legal restrictions on the use of an old school just metres from the potential site.

The two covenants on La Motte Street school, dating back to 1840 and 1926, stipulated that it must be used for religious instruction and for the education of infants and primary school children.

Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel wanted them removed as they are no longer relevant because there isn’t a school there any more, and he said it was a good time to get rid of them now that options for the property are being considered.

Deputy Noel said: "The covenants no longer exist so we've got secure title to the site. So it's back to business as usual with us working to redevelop the site, and build a central administration office for the States of Jersey that will drive efficiencies and a change in culture in the public sector.

“We’re working on a feasibility study at the moment, that should be finished in the next month or two and then we’ll work with our Treasury colleagues to find funding options and once that’s in place we’ll bring that forward with a planning application. We will be freeing up cash from the properties that we vacate."

Chief Minister, Ian Gorst, has said that the next-door La Motte Street headquarters of the Social Security Department is the front-runner for a new public sector "Whitehall", allowing various States operations to move out of 23 sites that they now operate from, and save money by all coming under the same roof. The other site under consideration is the current States building at Cyril Le Marquand House. 

Property Holdings is carrying out the £350,000 feasibility study on the plan.

Deputy Noel said: “We know it will bring productivity savings and replace worn out properties with one that is going to be futureproof for many decades to come.

"We'd be looking to have it ready within 18 months to two years."

 

Sign up to newsletter

 

Comments

Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.

You have landed on the Bailiwick Express website, however it appears you are based in . Would you like to stay on the site, or visit the site?