TREASURY AND RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
JERSEY PROPERTY HOLDINGS
Property Transaction for Ministerial Decision - Minister for Treasury and Resources
SUBJECT Refurbishment of Pomme D’Or Farm Estate
FILE REF RF 0297
Purpose
In accordance with Standing Order 168 (1) (d) and 168(2), the Assistant Minister is asked to approve the Housing Department’s refurbishment proposals for Pomme D’Or Farm Estate, St Helier.
Background
The proposed refurbishment comprises a package of improvement works as set out in the report to the Housing Minister dated 25 May 2011, accompanying ministerial decision MD-H-2011-0063, an extract of which is attached as Appendix A to this report.
The project will refurbish 86 social housing properties in the administration of the Housing Department on the Pomme D’Or Farm Estate, St Helier. Refurbishment will take place with tenants in situ. The works include the conversion of 17 bed-sit units into one bed flats. The scheme also provides enhancements to the public realm in the form of improved parking and arrangements of external space.
Refurbishment of the estate is considered to be the best method of extending the life of the units. The estate does not lend itself to demolition and redevelopment as there would be limited, if any, net gain in density.
Current Situation
The Housing Department wishes to progress the procurement of the project and requires the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources, as delegated to the Assistant Minister, under SO168.
The project has full planning and bye-law permission.
A funding advance of £3.25 million from the Treasury and Resources contingency capital head of expenditure has been agreed to meet the costs of the project. The £3.25 million funding will be returned to the Treasury and Resources Department by the Housing Department as sales receipts improve. MD-TR-2011-0065 refers.
Conclusion
The proposed refurbishment of the Pomme D’Or Farm Estate is an appropriate way forward to regenerate the estate. The Housing Department has followed the methodology set out in Financial Direction 5.6 (The Control of Capital Expenditure) and there are no overarching property issues that detract from the proposed scheme.
Recommendation
The Assistant Minister is recommended to approve the Housing Department’s refurbishment proposals for of the Pomme D’Or Farm Estate, St Helier as set out in Appendix A to this report.
Written By: Assistant Director JPH
Signature …………………………
Authorised By: (Director/Assistant Director JPH)
Signature ………………………… Date 23 June 2011
APPENDIX A