Infrastructure minister Deputy Eddie Noel, has officially given the Island’s Director of Estates the go-ahead to begin negotiations with the owners of the Stafford and Revere Hotels, 36-40 Kensington Place and 44 Kensington Place.
Under the proposed scheme, the buildings will be demolished and a new £466m hospital built on the site. During the work the current hospital will continue to run as near as normal a service as possible, although some departments may have to move.
There have already been informal talks with owners of the neighbouring properties and, according to Deputy Eddie Noel, they’ve indicated they’d be willing sellers. This would avoid the States having to use compulsory powers, which could add considerably to legal costs and cause delays.
£25,000 has been set aside to pay an independent qualified land surveyor to help with the valuations and negotiations.
The States will debate funding the hospital build on 18 April.