Plans to create a “modest” café in the former H&D Jack’s Barber building on King Street have been submitted.
A change-of-use application has been lodged to turn the grade-three-listed property, which is located between Fine & Country and Shoezone, into “an invaluable refreshment stepping stone in the middle of St Helier’s principal shopping precinct”.
In an accompanying report, Joseph Carney of surveyor and property consultant JS Carney & Co – writing on behalf of applicant Kayser Saifuddin – stated that the proposed development would not feature any structural changes.
Mr Carney explained that his client “wishes to simply replace the previous barbershop with a modest café”, serving coffee, tea, sandwiches and soft drinks.
He stated that the “minimal” works being sought included a new internal counter, freestanding appliances, tables and chairs, as well as a “general redecoration” and “freshening-up of both the interior and exterior” including – subject to a separate application – new signage.
“The proposals we submit would provide an invaluable refreshment stepping stone in the middle of St Helier’s principal shopping precinct, with existing refreshment facilities provided at either end of this established pedestrianised street,” Mr Carney wrote.
He goes on to note that “the last two small uses of the premises failed financially due to a variety of circumstances” and that “the premises have been empty for some time”, contending that “the proposals buttress and encourage the public to use this area of St Helier”.
Mr Carney added: “The proposal makes no changes to the existing mid-19th-century structure, retaining all its original external characters and features contributing to the character of King Street.
“Internal changes are minimal and there are no proposals to alter the existing internal [or] external layout, fenestration or features.”
