La Collette flats working group formed

Jersey's Housing Minister and Environment Minister have announced that they will be working with residents to consider redevelopment proposals for social rented homes on the La Collette flats site in Green Street.

 

The 59 low rise flats are presently listed as buildings of local architectural importance and redevelopment proposals will closely consider this historic status to ensure this is recognised by any scheme put forward as well as achieving other social and community objectives for the site.

 

The homes have been identified as failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard, something the Housing Minister has given a commitment to address within 10 years. Work is already underway to refurbish an additional 56 homes in the tower block on the site.

 

The Housing Minister, Deputy Andrew Green said "We are working closely with our colleagues at Planning and with the residents to design a scheme that meets the needs of the people who live at La Collette and recognises the importance of the site for the whole community at Havre des Pas. This approach demonstrates our commitment to working in a collaborative and constructive way to achieve our overarching priority, which is to provide decent social and affordable housing both for rent and purchase."

 

 

The La Collette Low Rise Residents Association will play an important role in the redevelopment discussions reflecting the Housing Departments commitment to involve residents in any key decision-making that affects them.  A working group will be formed with key stakeholders from the Residents Association and from both Departments.

 

Indigo Richard, Chair of the Association added "We are very grateful to the Housing and Planning Ministers for forming this Working Group and inviting us to play a role in determining the future of our homes. We have a good community on the estate and the majority of us would like to remain here in the long term.  However, the current buildings no longer deliver a good standard of living accommodation and we are looking forward to having new homes which are easier to maintain and more efficient to run.  We are committed to playing an active part in the process and in supporting the Ministers and the Housing Department in making redevelopment a reality.”

 

This partnership between the Ministers of Housing and the Environment will aim to deliver a number of improvements for residents including:

The Planning Minister, Deputy Rob Duhamel said “We recognise the need to provide social rented homes that meet modern standards and will work closely with the Housing Minister, his Department and the residents to achieve this objective, whilst balancing our responsibility to protect the Island’s built heritage.  Forming this Working Group provides a mechanism for us to be able to reach a solution for La Collette that meets the needs of all concerned as quickly and effectively as possible.”