01 November 2011
The Political Steering Group formed by the Treasury and Resources Minister to oversee the delivery of a new Police headquarters has held its third meeting.
After considering a number of possible options, the group has identified what it believes is the most suitable States-owned site.
Working closely with the Police and specialists in police buildings, the project team has carried out substantial preliminary design work which has identified the open section of Green Street car park on Route du Fort as a site which could meet all the needs of the States of Jersey Police.
The Treasury Minister, Senator Philip Ozouf, said “This site can accommodate all the police requirements in a single place and will provide new facilities within a purpose built headquarters constructed to the latest building and environmental standards. It will also support improved ways of working and significantly reduce the overall use of space.
“The previous Lime Grove solution meant locating the Police across 2 sites and refurbishing the existing Rouge Bouillon Police station. The Route du Fort project will not only meet the currently allocated budget, it will also free up the whole of the Summerland site and part of the Rouge Bouillon site for housing. From a financial perspective, I believe this solution is superior to the Lime Grove option.
“This option now needs to be the subject of more detailed feasibility work and the planning process.”
Consultation
There will be a full public consultation with those likely to be affected by the proposed development and the Minister has begun working with local deputies and the Parish on the detail of the proposal. Consultation with neighbours will take place as the planning process moves forward.
The Chief Officer for the States of Jersey Police, Mike Bowron said “After many years of living in inadequate and inappropriate accommodation, I am delighted that a solution appears to have been found to relocate the States of Jersey Police to purpose-built, new headquarters. I am particularly pleased for all those at the States of Jersey Police as this development will provide the kind of working environment they deserve to deliver modern policing in Jersey.
“I do believe that the presence of a new Police headquarters will be a benefit to the area and I will personally commit to meet neighbours to explain the plans and discuss any concerns as part of the consultation process.”
This option also supports the States office strategy, which has been developed to promote flexible ways of working in properties which are space efficient and cost effective, freeing up redundant sites for alternative use.
In addition, the project is expected to provide a valuable stimulus for the construction industry during what continues to be a difficult economic time.
Senator Ozouf added “This single site proposal will prove to be a better solution for the police, deliver better value for the States of Jersey, release more land for housing and provide a purpose built environmentally efficient headquarters for the Police.”
Next steps
The Political Steering Group will meet early in December to review progress. It is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted by the end of February 2012.
It is hoped to begin construction before the end of 2012 and to complete this by the end of 2014.
gov.je