Following comments from the Planning Committee, Jersey Development Company has resubmitted proposals for the redevelopment of the former Government of Jersey’s offices at South Hill.
JDC and its design team have reworked the scheme to reduce the height of the proposed development, whilst maintaining commitment to optimise the development yield on this Brownfield site to deliver an architecturally ambitious and environmentally conscious development.
The original ethos of the design: ‘to create a carefully integrated series of landscape-inspired buildings that maintains the openness of the site and provides exceptional views for the residents’, remains strong in the updated proposals. The overall scale of the development has been reduced, with the highest building at the rear of the site decreasing from eight storeys to six and one other building on the site has been reduced from six storeys to five.
The reduced heights allow the buildings to nestle within the landscape of the hillside ensuring a more sensitive approach to this prominent location.
The proposed 145 new homes would be some of the most sustainable, low-energy in-use homes in Jersey, designed to Passivhaus principles and helping residents to reduce their energy costs. Planted balconies, green roofs and gardens would maximise residents’ connection to nature.
The existing Listed Building on the site would be retained and refurbished to create a gym or wellness studio, creating a space for residents to socialise and exercise.
The benefits of the development go beyond those experienced directly by the new residents, as significant enhancements to South Hill’s surrounding green spaces remain a central part of the proposals.
Working in partnership with the Parish of St Helier, JDC’s proposals for the site include the re-design and refurbishment of the adjacent children’s play park. The designs for the park have been influenced by local school children who were asked to design their ideal park as part of a competition. The resulting park designs also include a serviced pitch for a food van and two publicly accessible WC’s, making the area a more welcoming place for all.
In response to previous consultation feedback about the challenging access to the site, new and improved walking and cycle routes will make the site more accessible for residents and visitors to the area.
Islanders are being offered the opportunity to preview updated development proposals at a public drop-in event being held in St Helier Town Hall Assembly Room on Tuesday 1 November between 10am and 4pm.
