09 January 2013
A planning application has been submitted for the third and final phase of the St James Centre refurbishment by Jersey Property Holdings (JPH). The refurbished site will bring together several parts of the Jersey Youth Service, including the management team and the centre currently in La Motte Street.
The aim is to provide greater opportunities for young people and a more efficient base for the Youth Service operations.
In particular, the refurbishment will enable the expansion of the Prince’s Trust and Duke of Edinburgh awards, as well as continued development of the highly popular music programmes run for young people. In future, events like Gig School and Junior Battle of the Bands will take place at the St James performance space in the old church building.
Phase one
Phase one involves repairs to the pinnacles, ornamental cement mouldings and general pointing of the façade areas of the towers, which is being undertaken by ROK Construction, a local construction company. Work started in mid November 2012.
This work will enable the scaffolding to be removed in stages once the tower and pinnacles have been repaired. The first stage of scaffolding around the pinnacles is due to be struck early February 2013, with the remaining working platforms being dismantled at the end of each month until completion of the project in early July 2013.
Phase two
Vacant St James School buildings at the rear of the site will be converted into training rooms for the Youth Service to deliver the Princes’ Trust and Duke of Edinburgh Awards schemes. This work has been tendered and it is expected a contract will be signed in January with a local company.
Phase three
Refurbishment of the Vicarage and major investment in the church to enhance the existing fabric and create practice rooms for youth bands, a performing space and to house the La Motte St Radio station. A planning application for the church upgrade has been submitted and, if approved, the work is expected to start in 2014.
The proposals have been developed in association with the Arts Centre and Arts Trust, who currently use some of the buildings, and discussions are underway to ensure their needs are met as part of the relocation process.
Funding
The Phase one and two works will be funded from existing JPH budget. The third phase is being funded through a capital funding allocation of £2.5 million that was approved in Medium Term Financial Plan for 2013-21015.
Once the refurbishment and relocation are completed, the La Motte Street site will be available for residential development.
Improved facilities
Treasury Assistant Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, said “This project makes a necessary investment in the fabric of an important historic building, whilst consolidating the Youth Services team and improving facilities for young people.
"The release of the existing La Motte Street site for residential development will make a further significant contribution to much needed housing within the town area.”
Education, Sport and Culture Minister Deputy Patrick Ryan said “This is an important project for the Youth Service and will play a major part in ensuring it can meet the future needs of Jersey’s young people. It is an exciting development and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
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