22 September 2023
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, has signed a Special
Development Order for the demolition of the most severely damaged blocks at the Haut
du Mont site.
The order relates to the demolition of Blocks G, I and J containing flats 22-26 and 33-36
which were closest to the site of the explosion and follows a recommendation from the
Recovery Coordination Group (RCG) and Andium Homes and is supported by the Political
Oversight Group for major incidents.
Work has already started at the site to remove roof tiles which were posing a danger
ahead of an anticipated worsening of weather conditions, but the order will now mean the
whole buildings will be removed.
The decision has been taken with the full support and knowledge of the bereaved families
and displaced residents for whom the site presented a painful reminder of the tragedy in
which ten people died.
The Political Oversight Group has previously recommended that the redevelopment of the
site in the future should include a permanent memorial to those who died on 10 December
2022.
A decision on the form of the memorial will be taken in conjunction with the bereaved
families, displaced residents and the wider community.
The Environment Minister, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said: “In consideration of the
exceptional circumstances surrounding the incident at Haut du Mont on 10 December
2022, and the resultant loss of life and extensive damage to the property, I have signed a
Special Development Order which will permit the demolition of the most severely
damaged properties.
“Demolition may not necessarily commence immediately, but following guidance issued to
the developer and once everything is in order to commence the works.”
The Deputy Chief Minister and Chair of the Political Oversight Group for the Major
Incidents, Deputy Kirsten Morel said: “This order will mean that we can now prepare to
start work on removing the three blocks which were the most severely damaged in the
explosion.
“The buildings have severely degraded due to water penetration and we had already
begun to strip tiles on the roof due to safety considerations.
“The decision has been taken with the thoughts of those most closely affected by the
terrible events in mind. We will continue to support bereaved families and displaced
residents through States of Jersey Police family liaison officers and the Support Hub.”
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