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Plans that will see Andium Homes build a total of 165 new homes - 130 one bedroom and 35 two bedroom units - as well as four shops on the Ann Court site have been approved unanimously by the Planning Committee.
The redevelopment includes the pedestrianisation of the area outside the Arts' Centre, and 137 shopper car spaces on a semi-basement level.
Andium Homes plans to build five apartment blocks, of between four and six-and-a-half storeys. The existing surface car park will become part accommodation and part town square, with sections of Providence Street and Phillips Street by the Jersey Arts Centre and the Earl of Granville pub closed to through traffic.
Speaking for architects Axis Mason, Director Ian McDonald said that the number of apartments in the area would increase by 148 thanks to the development.
Addressing concerns about the seemingly small number of residential parking spaces, 90, Mr McDonald said: "This development is close to town centre so we would expect that this property would be considered by the elderly population as we have in other developments nearby, which explains the high proportion of one bed units. (...) We do think that given the dynamics of the population to live there, 90 spaces sufficient is enough. We are however content to give commitment to deliver an additional 26 additional spaces."
Pictured: An aerial view of the 3D model for the development.
Mr McDonald explained that 137 shopper car space would be "available directly in front of existing properties. I don’t think you can make a site more accessible for shoppers." He however conceded: "I accept there will be change but I believe what we have done will be improving pedestrian access as well as vehicle access."
Pictured: A 3D model view of the development with the Arts Centre in the bottom left corner.
Jonathan Reed, speaking for Premier Carpets & Furnishings located on Providence Street, expressed concerns about the access to the site. The project should see Providence Street closed to traffic and a one-way system introduced to improve traffic in the area, and make it safer for pedestrians. Mr Reed told the Planning Committee: "Any business which is not in the centre of town relies on good access, people are not going to walk from one end of town to our shop. If it is too difficult they won't bother. The pedestrianisation is beneficial to the Arts Centre but it's beneficial to us in any shape or form."
He also told Express: "Putting paving blocks and planting trees is not going to bring people to the area. This is ridiculous. It doesn't make any sense. This is a residential area, there should not be any losers."
Tracey Ingle, Principal Planner Historic Environment, explained that her department was not in favour of the development given that it included the destruction of two listed buildings, part of a terrace of seven homes, and Toddy’s Bar.
The Planning Committee Chairman, St Mary's Constable Juliette Gallichan supported the development, adding that she hoped the new retail units would help energise the area rather than the reverse.
Trinity Constable Philip Le Sueur noted that the development was a "well thought through, comprehensive, regeneration of this part of town." He added that going higher was not inevitable given the dire need for housing. Deputy Jeremy Maçon concurred, noting that losing some views was for "the greater social good of the housing that needs to be delivered."
The Ann Court development is located on what has been described as a target area for the States’ strategic aim of regenerating St Helier. Andium plans to develop 15 new homes on the Boiler House site by the end of next year, having already secured full planning consent.
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