12 September 2006
15 August 2005
The Environment and Public Services Committee is seeking expressions of interest from developers for a scheme to refurbish or redevelop the two-acre former Jersey College for Girls site at Rouge Bouillon. And the Committee is not ruling out the sale of the site, if the right proposal is put forward.
Earlier this year, the building was designated a Site of Special Interest (SSI) because of the special architectural, historical and cultural appeal attached to it. The Committee now wants to develop the whole site, ensuring that the conditions of the SSI protection are carefully observed in shaping the building and grounds for a new purpose. The development is just one of the ways that the States is starting to make more efficient and effective use of its property, in line with establishing a property department next month.
A development brief, approved by the Environment and Public Services Committee, identifies the restraints and opportunities relating to the future use of the property. The Island Plan recognises the site as falling within the Built Up Boundary and being part of the Green Backdrop Zone. The open, grassed area in front of the building is identified as an area of important open space. All trees on the site are protected by a Tree Preservation Order and the building itself, its external and internal fabric plus much of the associated areas of enclosure such as fences, gate piers and ironwork, also have significant protection through the SSI designation.
Senator Philip Ozouf, President of E&PS, said: “In seeking a preferred developer the Committee will be looking for an imaginative but sensitive scheme, and a use or uses which reflect the building’s important past, architecturally and culturally, and take into account its surroundings. The Committee is considering all options and this could involve selling the site which, in recent times, has not been put to best use.”
The Senator pointed out the challenges of developing the site: “The former sixth form farewell wing and the gymnasium are currently the subject of lease agreements with third party organisations and fall outside the scope of this project. We are therefore presenting an additional challenge to developers whose proposals must include the work to separate the first floor level links between the main college building and the farewell wing and former gym to the north of the site.”
The main building has a gross internal area of 41,985 sq ft with an existing net internal area of 29,300 sq ft. The site area bordered by Rouge Bouillon to the south, Drury Lane to the east and La Pouquelaye to the west is 88,233 sq ft (or 8,197 square metres).
An information pack is available to bona fide company businesses or property developers from: the Department of Property Services, 23 Hill Street, St Helier, or by telephoning 514514. The closing date for submitting expressions of interest – which must include sufficient detail of the proposal, the anticipated uses and funding plans – is 19 September 2005.
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
The original college building was constructed in 1888 with a major extension added in 1892. During the Second World War the building was used by the German occupying forces for the accommodation of construction workers and later by the Red Cross as a hospital. Since the relocation of the Jersey College for Girls to Mont Millais in 1999, temporary use has been made of the main building by the Schools Music Service and other education related groups, but these will be relocated over the coming months.
For more information:
Senator Philip Ozouf, E&PS Committee President. Telephone 07797 713838
Paul Tucker, Director of Property Services. Telephone 514510
gov.je