States tenants on the move

Monday 10 March 2014

More than 30 families are moving out of their homes ahead of major works by the States to bring a high-rise block in St Helier up to scratch.

Modernising the eight-storey high-rise at De Quetteville Court is part of a £22 million project being carried out this year to improve the Island’s social housing and make sure it meets UK standards.

Housing say it’ll be too disruptive for the 32 tenants to stay in their two-bed homes whilst they are being completely refurbished the department is finding them other permanent homes before the work starts.

The makeover includes making the building more energy efficient - an external wall insulation system will be put in and new double-glazed windows, doors and balcony screens will be installed to improve thermal insulation. The building will also get a new insulated roof.

Kitchens and bathrooms will be replaced and all of the mains services will be overhauled. Each home will be fitted with a modern and efficient heating and hot water system, mechanical ventilation to bathrooms and kitchens, improved door entry systems, and new emergency low-energy lighting.

The Housing Minister has now approved local contractors that will be invited to take part in the tender process for the work.

Deputy Andrew Green said: “We remain committed to ensuring that all of our properties meet the English Decent Homes Standard within the next ten years. The vast majority already meet the standard and we have a robust refurbishment programme to deal with the small number that currently don’t.

"We are also going to be building more high-quality homes, investing up to £250m to help meet Jersey’s housing needs and creating new communities along the way. This year alone we will be starting projects worth in excess of £22m, which will not only deliver new homes and see the refurbishment of existing properties, but will put significant funds back into the economy by supporting the local construction industry. This investment has been made possible by States Members agreeing to borrow the capital sum to underpin our development and refurbishment programme.”

Housing plan to go out to tender to the local construction industry on at least five projects this year which will see more than 650 homes getting makeovers including those at Hampshire Gardens, Convent Court, Caesarea Court, Hue Court, Osborne Court and Nicolle Close.

700 new social housing homes will be created as part of the programme.