29 November 2022
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La Frégate on the Esplanade, St Helier, has been awarded Grade 2 listed status, based on its
architectural significance, following a recommendation from Jersey Heritage.
Jersey Heritage is the Government of Jersey’s advisor on the special interest of buildings and places
and has reviewed the proposal for listing that was submitted earlier this year by Save Jersey’s
Heritage with the support and advice of the Twentieth Century Society.
In its report, Jersey Heritage says the building has special architectural interest because:
- The unique exterior of the building is of special interest for its architectural design, and
it could be argued that La Frégate has become a landmark building, enhancing its
architectural interest
- The interiors are thoughtful and contemporary
- The design of the building is innovative and by a known and respected architect.
La Frégate was based on a conceptual design by the British architect Will Alsop, of Alsop and
Störmer, whose buildings have received many awards, including the Stirling Prize, the RIBA
Regional Award for Architecture, and the Civic Trust Award. Derek Mason of the Jersey-based
Mason Design Partnership, delivered the design, working with John Leveridge.
The Twentieth Century Society – a UK-based charity which campaigns to save outstanding modern
buildings and design, supported the listing on the basis that: “The structure expresses the
innovative approach to design that characterised Will Alsop’s career. It is an exceptional, wellpreserved piece of late 20th-century design. Its exterior, an exercise in ‘wilful shape-making’, is
unique and innovative, and its interiors thoughtful and contemporary”.
The owners were notified of the intention to list earlier this year, with the final decision made by
the Government of Jersey’s Group Director of Regulation, Kelly Whitehead. An appeal, to the
Minister for the Environment, against the listing of the building can still be made.
La Frégate is on the St Helier Waterfront where there are outline plans, submitted by Jersey
Development Company, to develop the area. The listing of a building or place does not necessarily
prevent change to a heritage asset. However, any planning decision affecting a listed building
needs to have explicit regard to its special interest
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