PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance
Review of 1 Oxford Road (Le Seelleur workshops), St Helier
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to review the existing registration of 1 Oxford Road, having regard to the States strategic objective ‘to protect the best of the Island’s architectural heritage’ and a key objective of the Island Plan 2002 to protect and promote Jersey’s built, cultural and archaeological heritage.
Background
1 Oxford Road (Le Seelleur workshops) was included in the 1992 Historic Buildings Register as grade 1.
The Jersey Building Heritage Sub-Committee confirmed the building as a pSSI during its review of all registered buildings in St Helier in 2002.
Property Holdings, on behalf of the Minister for Health and Social Services, requested the registered status of the property be reviewed in August 2006 (correspondence attached). The Planning and Environment Department subsequently requested that the Jersey Heritage Trust undertake an appraisal of the property ahead of discussions with the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group.
The Curator of Historic Buildings carried out an inspection of the workshops on 18 October.
MRLAG carried out a detailed internal and external inspection of 1 Oxford Road (Le Seelleur workshops) at its meeting on 13 November.
Discussion
It was noted that the workshops at 1 Oxford Road date back to 1845 (with later alterations), and are a relatively rare survival of an historical industrial building on the edge of the town centre.
It was agreed that the workshops retain their historic form with only minor alterations. Members observed that the buildings are of unusual construction with a mixture of granite and brick with timber boarded upper floors containing extensive glazing. It was noted that the interior of the building is unusual for its large open plan areas at first floor level supported by a mixture of structural cross walls and closely spaced piers at ground floor level. Although very utilitarian, it was agreed that there are internal details of interest such as heavily joisted flooring and brick piers formed with rounded corners, and that the open nature of the workshops with walls of glazing and natural light contribute significantly to the distinctive character and special interest of the building.
Taking these factors into consideration, it was agreed that 1 Oxford Road merits retention on the Register as a proposed Site of Special Interest.
Recommendation
1 Oxford Road (Le Seelleur workshops) should be retained on the Historic Buildings Register as a proposed Site of Special Interest.
It is further recommended that the Minister authorises officers to progress with the preparation of the formal process of adding this site to the List of SSIs, to be the subject of a further report to the Minister.
Reason(s) for Decision
1 Oxford Road (Le Seelleur workshops) satisfies the published criteria for registration as a pSSI.
Action Required
Advise Property Holdings of decision
Notify Development Control - Urban Team of decision
Prepare Notice of Intention to List for further consideration of the Minister.
Written by: | Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust |
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Approved by: | Janet Dore Principal Historic Buildings Advisor |
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Endorsed by: | Kevin Pilley Assistant Director |
Attachments:
Representation from Property Holdings
Location plan
Assessment form and photographs, October 2006
Photographs 1988
HE1255
14 November 2006