Parish Hall's 'secret' room could become apartment

Monday 29 November 2021

Investigations into how St. Brelade Parish Hall's 150-year-old roof could be replaced have revealed a 'secret' room - which the parish now wants to turn into a rental apartment.

Taking place on Tuesday, St. Brelade's next Parish Assembly meeting will ask residents to consider whether creating a one-bedroom unit should be part of a project to re-roof the building.

Telling Express about the plans, Constable Mike Jackson said: "There is a need to replace the roof on the Parish Hall. It is regularly having to be repaired, has no insulation and is truthfully at the end of its life at about 150 years old.

"Whilst investigating the project it came to light that former hotel staff accommodation in the roof space of part of the building remained boarded up and unused."

He continued: "We took architects' advice, which indicated it was feasible to reinstate this as a unit of accommodation and create an income stream for the Parish by renting it out on the open market and thus offer necessary extra housing in the area.

"It is in a superb position overlooking the harbour albeit next to a noisy pub."

Pictured: Constable Mike Jackson said the apartment would be in "a superb position overlooking the harbour albeit next to a noisy pub."

The Constable added that further information would be coming if approval is given at the Parish Assembly, which will be taking place at the Parish Hall on Tuesday 30 November at 19:20.

The roof and upkeep of the Parish Hall has been a regular issue for the Parish.

Discussing overspends in the Parish's accounts published earlier this year, Constable Jackson explained to Express there had been a number of "unforeseen works needed", such as:

• some roof leaks on the main building which necessitated replacement of one of the lead valleys.

• A damp patch which involved investigative work and consequently chimney repairs.

• Two felt roof areas had to be replaced due to deterioration 

Next week's meeting will also see parishioners consider whether St. Brelade should spend £25,000 from its Motor Vehicles Fund on an EV van for the Parking Control Officer.