The buildings on the New North Quay are considered to be architecturally and historically very important, and have been designated as being of ‘special interest’, one classification below being listed.
This means any modifications to the property need special permission and have to be carried out in a ‘sympathetic’ fashion.
The buildings are the responsibility of the Ports of Jersey. In its planning application it says the work will be carried out in two stages. The first will be in December – when both museums are closed midweek – which means contractors will have greater access to the site. It’ll take about four month. The second phase will be over winter 2017/18. The Ports of Jersey – not the States – is funding the work.
Jersey Heritage is also taking the opportunity to improve natural lighting into the Maritime Museum by installing four skylights into the roof area.
The museums will continue to open on Sunday throughout the winter as usual, and access to buildings on the New North Quay will be unaffected.