09 October 2012
Work has begun on a £4million refurbishment scheme which will improve housing standards for tenants living at La Collette Tower in St Helier.
The project is in line with the Minister for Housing’s proposals to achieve 100% compliance with the Decent Homes Standard for the entire States rental stock within 10 years.
The scheme, which will improve housing standards for 56 tenants living at the flats in Green Street, will be carried out along the lines of earlier projects, with residents remaining in their homes. Key improvements include:
- new double glazed windows
- new balconies
- new roof coverings
- new mains services
- new lifts (already complete)
- new front doors
- complete over insulation of the building
- heating upgrades
- replacement hot water cylinders and water storage
Tenants will benefit from homes which will be warmer, drier, cheaper to heat and easier to access. The improvements in double glazing, roof coverings and insulation will also make the building more energy efficient.
Residents will also benefit from the addition of a community facility and landscaping of the outside areas of the estate, including the provision of ramps and the removal of a large area of rock to create an extra 6 parking spaces.
La Collette Tower was constructed in 1963 and provides 28 1 bedroom and 28 2 bedroom flats arranged over 14 floors.
Fiscal stimulus funding
The £4million project has been funded by the States of Jersey Treasury who made available some fiscal stimulus funding to help support the local construction industry.
Housing Minister, Deputy Andrew Green MBE, said “The refurbishment of La Collette Tower is an important project and the works now underway will improve the homes of over 50 tenants. Working closely with the Treasury Minister we are finding solutions to fund projects to bring homes up to decent homes standards and to support our construction industry. My proposals for incorporation of the present Housing Department, which I will lodge next month, will allow this programme to continue ensuring that we get all of our homes up to scratch and actually enable us to provide more.”
Local construction company, Camerons, has been appointed as the main contractor following an extensive competitive tender process undertaken via the States e-tendering portal.
Morris Architects, who have led the design process, will continue to provide architectural and administration services throughout the project. The work is scheduled to be completed in May 2014.
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