Le Squez regeneration enters final phase

Jersey’s Housing Department has appointed a project team to deliver the final phases of the Le Squez Regeneration Masterplan, one of the most significant development projects the island has ever undertaken, to provide better homes and create a stronger community environment.

 

Morris Architects Limited has been appointed as lead professional on the project, which will be overseen by Steve Southern from Southern Project Management.

 

The regeneration project will maximise the use of the space for the development of 137 high quality new homes, replacing 105 properties that currently fail to meet the decent homes standard, which the Housing Minister has committed to achieve for all States homes within ten years. Samares School will also benefit from improved parking and access arrangements as well as access surrounding facilities.

 

Andrew Morris, principal of Morris Architects Ltd said “Our objective is to design a scheme that will breathe new life into this area. We can take a number of cues from the work that has already been undertaken and the Masterplan itself to create an environment that the whole community can be proud of.”

 

 

A key element of the project will be increased safety and improved access to nearby community facilities. For example, a direct pedestrian link and path will connect Samares School to FB Fields providing easy access for lessons and a safe pedestrian route for children. All roads running through the estate will be closed to traffic – improving safety and the environment.

 

Bus access will be maintained along School Road and the southern end of Le Squez Road and there will be well-planned bus stops to ensure that residents have good alternatives to using a car.

 

Within the scheme there is provision for at least one new purpose built three-bedroomed disabled unit, adding to the number already developed on the site, in addition to a new three/four bedroomed group home which will allow adults with disabilities to live independently in a supported home environment.

 

Residents of the regenerated area will be able to enjoy new play facilities for children and better amenities for the whole community.

 

 

The regeneration scheme is part of a long term project that has already seen a number of milestones achieved at Le Marais and Le Squez including the sale of 81 affordable homes to former tenants. All redevelopment at Le Marais has been completed and the first three phases of Le Squez are also finished, where most recently 60 new homes were developed in Phase 2a and Phase 2b.  An additional 24 homes are under construction in phase 2c and the remainder of the estate will be completed over two further phases.

Housing Minister Deputy Andrew Green MBE said “The regeneration programme at Le Squez is a very exciting project. It is about more than just delivering new homes: it is also important to note that we are making some significant social and environmental improvements and we have been grateful for the support we have had from the community and the Connetable of St Clement and his Roads Committee in that respect.  The Community at Le Squez is a good one and we are committed to giving them decent homes to live in. The decision by the States to approve my proposition to reform social housing in Jersey will make it much easier for the new Housing Company to deliver projects of this nature in the future.”

 

Director of Strategy at the Housing Department Carl Mavity said “Developing the site in phases has been necessary to ensure that we can maintain the Le Squez community relatively intact as people move into newly constructed homes, freeing up their old properties for redevelopment. This has worked reasonably well up to this point but the negative side of a project with lots of phases is that it simply takes too long. We are developing sites elsewhere, for example at Journeaux Street, Belle Vue and Langtry Gardens. This additional supply of new homes allows us to reduce the number of phases and the time needed to complete the Le Squez Project.”

The Le Squez Regeneration Master Plan was prepared by Dyson Buesnel Architects in 2012.