Plans to create Jersey’s first purpose-built centre for victims of sexual assault have been put on hold after rising construction costs pushed the project over budget, it has emerged.
The development, intended to replace the current Dewberry House Sexual Assault Referral Centre in St Saviour, will now be delayed until further funding is secured through the Government’s budget for 2026–29.
The Home Affairs Minister yesterday confirmed that the development is “stationary” after inflation and material costs significantly exceeded the funds originally set aside for the build.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat yesterday told a panel of politicians responsible for scrutinising her department that funding previously allocated from confiscated criminal assets remains available, but is no longer enough to meet increased costs.
“It’s not going to be removed, but it’s just the case that costs have gone up,” explained Deputy Le Hegarat.
The delay has drawn criticism from politicians who have voiced support for tackling violence against women and girls, with Deputy Lucy Stephenson describing the news as “incredibly disappointing”.
Deputy Louise Doublet added: “Survivors of sexual assault need to be treated with dignity and supported by high-quality services – a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre is a critical part of this.”
Originally due to open by May 2025, the new centre was to be built at the former Heathfields Children’s Centre on the corner of Bagatelle Road and Bagatelle Lane in St Saviour.
The new building was to replace the current Dewberry House, which was set up in 2017 as a recommendation of the Jersey Care Inquiry, but has since been deemed no longer fit for purpose by the Home Affairs Department.
Plans for the new facility included bringing the SARC under the same roof as Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support, and Jersey Victims First – which are both currently based in the Royal Square – so that survivors would only need to recount their experience once.
It would have brought together police, healthcare and advocacy services, with video-enabled rooms for victim interviews, support for survivors going through court processes, and a space designed specifically to support children in the criminal justice system.
Planning permission for the new centre was granted in November 2024, but a neighbour submitted a formal appeal against the decision.
Ewa Powierska complained of a “significant loss of privacy”, “excessive noise pollution”, “intolerable light pollution”, “flood, odour, and air pollution hazards”, “severe safety risks”, as well as concerns regarding the “scale of the development”.
She also objected to proposed bollards and kerbing on Bagatelle Lane, which Ms Powierska said would prevent her from parking outside her property.
The appeal, however, was dismissed in May by Environment Minister Steve Luce following a report from Planning Inspector David Hainsworth.
The Inspector concluded that the overall development should go ahead in the public interest, but recommended changes including the removal of the proposed kerbs and bollards and the removal or modification of one first-floor window.
Planning conditions also required the developers to make a £20,578 contribution towards the Eastern Cycle Route Network as part of the project.