Strategy to Reduce States Office Space

31 October 2008

Jersey Property Holdings is planning to issue a report outlining its strategy for the future of States offices by the end of 2008; for approval in the New Year.

The aim will be to reduce the amount of office space occupied by States departments in line with the objectives of the Annual Business Plan, as approved by the States Assembly in September 2008. The space released will make a significant contribution to the supply of sites available for housing.

Currently States offices occupy nearly 600,000 sq ft located in 76 sites with a notional annual rental value of around £10 million. Proposals are being prepared to consolidate into fewer buildings and reduce the overall floor area occupied by at least 20%. Centralisation of States offices will make access for the general public easier, improve communications between employees and significantly improve operating efficiency.

Jersey Property Holdings will identify options to acquire or develop one or more core office buildings in which to introduce more flexible working practices, such as desk sharing, in largely open plan areas rather than cellular offices. By agreeing new space standards with all departments, the current average space of 215 sq ft per desk space can be reduced to less than 140 sq ft per person, in line with the UK public sector target.

It would be very difficult to achieve these efficiencies in the present estate, which comprises relatively small buildings spread over a number of floors. Many of them were not purpose built or are reaching the end of their useful lives and would require expensive works to bring them up to an acceptable standard.

Planning for implementation will be completed during 2009, with works commencing on creating the revised office estate in 2010.

David Flowers, the Director of Jersey Property Holdings, said “This will be the first stage of a comprehensive and far reaching property plan designed to encompass the whole of the States portfolio with a view to eliminating waste and ensuring all our properties are fit for purpose.”






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Notes to Editors:

1. For further information, please contact David Flowers, Director of Property Holdings on Tel: 441518.