30 June 2011
The Treasury and Resources Minister is proposing purchasing Lime Grove House, a purpose-built office block located at the Snow Hill roundabout. If the purchase is approved, the building will become the new home for all office-based functions of the States of Jersey Police.
The new building will meet most of the needs of the States of Jersey Police, whose current buildings are past their useful life and no longer meet modern operational standards. This forms the first part of a two-stage project; the second stage would be the redevelopment of remaining facilities at Rouge Bouillon to create a modern operational police station, including custody facilities.
Office strategy
The proposed purchase of Lime Grove House is also the first step towards the future States of Jersey office strategy. This aims to reduce the States’ property portfolio to a size that is more efficient and provides modern, fit for purpose buildings that support the delivery of improved public services.
Moving office-based police staff to this new building would reduce the overall use of office space and would free up the Summerland site, which could then be used for future housing. If Lime Grove House were to be occupied, work would start on the demolition of the old school building and refurbishment of the current police station at Rouge Bouillon. This would complete the redevelopment of all Police facilities in Jersey.
Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Philip Ozouf, said "This is an important step on the road to fundamentally changing the way we use our buildings. Not only does this acquisition provide a cost effective solution to meet the needs of the States of Jersey Police, it also enables the States to move towards new ways of working that reduce operating costs and will free up the whole of the Summerland site for alternative use such as affordable housing.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Ian Le Marquand, said “I am delighted that we have taken this first step towards providing the States of Jersey Police with appropriate, modern facilities to deliver its services. The police service has operated for far too long in accommodation that is sub-standard and inappropriate for the delivery of modern policing. Lime Grove House is an ideal location and will provide a modern, flexible environment that will support improved ways of working within the force as well as reducing the overall use of space.
“I’m pleased that by working closely with the Treasury Minister, we have moved forward this long overdue project. If approved, this proposal will ensure we continue to have a police force that meets the needs of all Islanders and keeps Jersey safe.”
Fit for purpose
Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police, Mike Bowron said: “This is an important development for all those within the States of Jersey Police. I am convinced that the co-location of people currently spread across five different buildings into a modern and fit for purpose environment will enable us to make a huge step towards improved and more effective ways of working.
“This solution will also allow the States of Jersey Police to focus its operational facilities into one smaller police station in the future. I am delighted for all those at the States of Jersey Police as this development will provide the kind of working environment they deserve to deliver modern policing in Jersey.”
Senator Ozouf has been working closely with the Minister for Home Affairs and the Assistant Treasury Minister, Connétable John Refault, on this proposal.
Subject to the views of the States Assembly, it is hoped the purchase of Lime Grove House will take place as soon as possible.
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