Construction is set to begin on Westward, Jersey Development Company’s redevelopment of the former Government offices at South Hill into 139 new homes overlooking St Aubin’s Bay.
The start of work follows the completion of various key requirements under JDC’s operating protocols, including securing legally binding pre-sales representing at least 25% of the scheme’s Gross Development Value and entering into a fixed-price construction contract.
JDC has appointed Legendre as main contractor for the development. The Jersey office has been active in the Island’s construction sector since 2016 and has already delivered major projects locally, including the Horizon residential development at the Waterfront.
Separately, as part of the Planning Obligation Agreement, 25% of the new homes – 35 apartments – are being made available through a Shared Equity Scheme for eligible first-time buyers. More than half have already been sold.
A further 35% of the open-market homes are available to first-time buyers through JDC’s Deposit Payment Plan, which allows purchasers to reserve a new home without having to provide a large upfront deposit. The scheme has operated since 2015 and has so far supported 117 first-time buyers onto the property ladder.
The development has also attracted interest from right-sizers seeking modern, low-maintenance homes that suit their current and future circumstances while releasing their existing homes to the market.
Westward is being developed on an existing brownfield site and will retain the Listed building within the scheme. This will be restored and repurposed to accommodate Westward’s staffed concierge service.
Alongside the new homes, JDC will also deliver a series of public improvements required under the site’s planning permission. These include a major upgrade of the neighbouring Parish of St Helier children’s playground, which will become a modern and fully inclusive play area; new public toilets; improved pedestrian routes; a new footpath on South Hill; new pedestrian crossings; improved lighting; and resurfacing part of the South Hill carriageway.
Together with the 35 Shared Equity homes, these works represent a significant investment in public and community infrastructure that will be delivered by JDC as part of the development.
Lee Henry, CEO of JDC, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone on this major regeneration project and to once again be working with Legendre Jersey Limited, which has a strong reputation for delivering projects to the highest standards. The start of construction at Westward provides a welcome boost to the local construction industry, supporting local jobs while creating new homes for Islanders.”
Thomas Vandecasteele, Managing Director of Legendre said: “We are very pleased to reach this important milestone and to continue our collaboration with JDC. It reflects Legendre’s long-term commitment to Jersey over the past 10 years, and our experience in delivering some of the most complex and demanding developments on the island. We also see Westward as an opportunity to continue working to high construction standards while creating further benefits for Jersey and its local community.”
