Originally built as a private house, Chateau Vermont has had various uses over the years.
Plans to turn the home into the music academy were approved in December 2008. In the years prior to that, other plans to turn it into a retirement home and a hotel were also approved but never implemented.
In May 2011, the lower floor, which included a recital space capable of hosting 100 people, was turned into a spa.
Then in 2019, plans were submitted to turn the space into a rural day care nursery for young children and babies aged five and under but ultimately rejected.
Earlier this year, Guardian Nursing services Ltd submitted another set of plans aiming to “reunite” the lower-ground floor with the rest of the property to allow it to have a single use and go back to being “a cohesive unit”.
They proposed covering the pool to create extra space for the Jersey Academy of Music, which currently occupies the ground, first and second floor of Chateau Vermont, enabling it to expand its schooling capabilities and offer a wider range of classes to students.
The Design Statement added that, if approved, the changes would allow the Academy to work with Jodie Lee Performing Arts and Love Theatre, as it would enable the site to accommodate dance, musical theatre, singing and drama. “The proposal enhances all businesses involved, creating a community with a common purpose,” it is noted.
“Our proposal, submitted on behalf of our client is proposed to aid in providing the students of Jersey’s Academy of Music with the opportunity to practice all genres and activities on site, while maintaining safe with social distancing measures,” Page Architects wrote.
Pictured: Under the plans, the Academy will get new teaching spaces and a music room.
The architects highlighted that the plans will not affect the look of the site as no new structures are proposed, only the “repurposing” of existing spaces.
The Planning Department considered the plans were justified “in principle” and would lead to a “de-intensification” of the use of the site, compared to the use of a gym and spa.
They recommended the plans be approved by the Planning Committee, who confirmed their decision on Thursday.