The Jersey Homes Trust has completed a £4.2 million refurbishment of 17 homes at St Paul’s Gate in St Helier.
The project took just over 12 months and included a new zinc roof, replacement windows and glazing, new bathrooms, improved sound insulation, upgraded fire detection and safety systems, automatic lighting and new leak-detection systems.
Outdoor and communal areas have also been improved, along with parking, storage and accessibility. Balconies have been added to provide tenants with private outdoor space.
The work included measures aimed at improving energy efficiency, air quality, thermal performance and sound insulation, while reducing energy use and running costs.
Tenants who were temporarily relocated while the work was carried out are expected to return over the coming weeks.
Housing Minister Deputy Malcolm Ferey visited the development on Friday 4 September to view the completed work.
The investment forms part of the Jersey Homes Trust’s wider programme of refurbishment across its housing stock. A similar project has recently been completed at Warren Court in St Lawrence, while improvement work is under way at Le Coie at Springfield.
The Jersey Homes Trust (JHT) provides homes for more than 800 Jersey households. St Paul’s Gate was the first property acquired by the Trust after it was established in 1995.
Chair of the Jersey Homes Trust, Phil Le Cornu, said: “This significant reinvestment at St. Paul’s Gate is a clear demonstration of our commitment to reinvesting in the Island and, equally importantly, in caring for Islanders for whom a JHT property is their home.
“The aim of the JHT is to develop affordable social rented housing for the people of Jersey for the long term. In 2024, the JHT refinanced its funding arrangements for the next 25 years. This gives us the financial capability both to continue our ongoing refurbishment and modernisation programme of JHT homes, as well as invest in new opportunities, in line with building and planning policy.
“St. Paul’s Gate is a fantastic example of what that means in practice. We are not simply maintaining our properties; we are reinvesting in them to create homes that are more comfortable, energy efficient and sustainable for our residents, both now and for generations to come. The project has been delivered with a focus on both the immediate needs of residents and the long-term sustainability of the development, ensuring St. Paul’s Gate is equipped to provide high-quality social housing for many years to come.
“We remain dedicated to addressing the housing needs of Islanders and are extremely proud of the transformation that has been achieved at St Paul’s Gate and of the team who have delivered such a significant project.”
The Housing Minister, Deputy Ferey, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this refurbishment in the heart of St Helier, which are valued homes and a community to the people returning to them. The area is vastly improved from when I used to work here as CEO of Citizens Advice Jersey.
“People have strong attachments to where they live. A home should be a place of belonging, comfort and safety. This refurbishment meets that aim. The re-investment by the Jersey Homes Trust (JHT) has indeed transformed 17 homes resulting in a place and space to live which is not only a more comfortable environment for those who will enjoy it, but a modern and sustainable one for residents.
“I would like to offer those returning to live here the warmest of welcomes to their ‘new’ homes.”
Pictured: Housing Minister with Phil Le Cornu, Chair JHT (Left) and Steve Van Neste, JHT (Right)
