Andium: ‘We did not sell The Limes for £10’

Friday 27 October 2017

The States social housing provider has moved to assuage fears that they sold one of their properties for £10 following concerns from islanders.

Andium Homes acquired former St Helier-based nursing home The Limes in August this year from the States of Jersey.

The intention was to refurbish the home into junior doctor and hospital keyworker accommodation in order to facilitate the initial phases of the Future Hospital project. In the longer term, the site will make way for affordable housing.

But a listing in a local housing supplement this week showed the property had passed through the Royal Court at a value of just £10. It didn’t list the buyer or vendor, leading many to believe that Andium had already sold it on. 

Having spotted the listing, local pressure group ‘The Jersey Action Group’ wrote on Facebook: “Interesting to see the Limes Nursing Home has been sold for – wait for it – the princely sum of £10 – yes TEN POUNDS.” 

The post generated a number of shocked, confused and angry responses from islanders. 

“Couldn’t make it up,” one wrote. Another described the move as “ridiculous”, while it also led to fears that it had been part of a shady deal.

“Nice deal Andium behind close [sic] doors, the Jersey Way still exists,” read one comment.

One man joked: “I would have bought it for £20.”

The housing provider have since confirmed, however, that they have not sold on the property and that the transaction was entirely normal. They will develop the site as originally planned into affordable housing. Once the resulting value has been established, they will pay the sum to the States.

A spokesperson for Andium commented: “The former Limes Residential Home was acquired by Andium Homes on 18th August 2017 from the States of Jersey. As requested by the States, Andium Homes is refurbishing the building so that for the next few years it can be used to accommodate key workers, principally junior doctors, as a means of facilitating the initial phases of the Future Hospital project. Andium Homes will not be charging any rent to the occupants of the accommodation during this period.

“In the longer term, Andium Homes plans to redevelop the site for affordable housing.  Once plans are approved and the site is redeveloped, in accordance with the development agreement with the States, the value of the land will be determined and this sum will be paid to the States.  Should the development of the site by Andium Homes not proceed, the site will be transferred back to the States for the sum of £10.”