29 May 2014
Work on the £4 million refurbishment of La Collette high-rise has this week reached main contract completion. The scheme has improved housing standards for the families living in the 14-storey block, making their homes warmer, drier, cheaper to heat and easier to access.
Internally, all 56 flats have been re-wired and re-plumbed and have had a complete redecoration with new kitchens and bathrooms being fitted.
Key improvements include:
new double glazed windows
new balconies
new roof coverings
new mains services
new lifts
new front doors
complete over insulation of the building
controlled asbestos removal
concrete repair works
heating upgrades
replacement hot water cylinders and water storage
Improvements
The improvements in double glazing, roof coverings and insulation make the building more energy efficient, reducing the amount of energy used to warm the homes.
While the works caused much disturbance, residents are delighted with what has been achieved. Resident Francis Young remained in the building throughout the refurbishment.
Mrs Young said “It was so good to know that the building was going to be refurbished. All of the tradesmen on site worked very hard while being polite and friendly to the residents. The Housing Department were very caring and considerate of our needs. I would like to say a big thank you to all involved with the refurbishment and landscaping, I’m proud to live at La Collette and most grateful.”
Fiscal stimulus funding
These works were funded from within the £27m extra funding made available to the Housing Department in 2012. The fiscal stimulus funding is helping to support the local construction industry and is delivering better housing for the Island.
The project is in line with the Housing Minister’s proposals to achieve 100% compliance with the Decent Homes Standard for the entire States rental stock within ten years.
Housing Minister, Deputy Andrew Green, said “The completion of these properties at La Collette high-rise is a great milestone for us, not only is it helping us to bring our stock up to the Decent Homes Standard, but I am equally encouraged to see how the improvements we have made to the building have enhanced the lives of our clients. La Collette was the first high-rise to be built in Jersey and I am delighted that we have completed this major refurbishment on its 50th anniversary year.
“The Housing Department, or Andium Homes as it will become, has the largest portfolio of residential property in Jersey to manage and maintain. We are committed to a programme of refurbishment and improvement to the minority of homes that fall short of the UK Decent Homes Standard. It takes time but we are determined to do the job properly, as well as investing in new properties that are being built in Jersey to a high standard.”
Tenders for further work
On 5 December 2013, the States Assembly agreed to borrow up to £250m to enable the further provision and development of housing in Jersey. This gives certainty to the completion of the ongoing Decent Homes Standard programme as well as the development of many more affordable homes to better meet Jersey’s housing needs.
The Housing Department is going out to tender to the local construction industry on at least five additional projects in 2014, with a cumulative contract value of £22m. The projects include the significant refurbishment of 20 units at Nicolle Close; 39 units at Hampshire Gardens; 32 units at De Quetteville Court high-rise; the construction of 21 new homes at Le Squez Phase 3; and 44 new homes at Lesquende Phase 2.
Treasury and Resources Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, said “The refurbishment of these homes at La Collette high-rise has been delivered on time at an extremely fast pace and to an impressive standard. This is a prime example of how we can deliver quality homes to those in need of quality affordable housing. We are committed to supporting the development of future sites like this for the benefit of the Island and I am encouraged to see the great work that has been delivered by the Housing Department. I can only echo what the Housing Minister said about these homes really making a difference to people’s lives.”
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