Hopes that Aviemore facility sale could be finalised "soon"

Friday 06 September 2024

Bids for a disused care-facility that the Government intended to sell to generate funding for islanders in care are currently being considered – with the agent involved in the sale hoping to finalise a deal "soon".

The Aviemore specialist accommodation unit site, located next to Haut de la Garenne in St Martin, is still listed on the Quérée Property Consultants website.

It was previously used by Health and Community Services to house individuals with learning disabilities who have complex needs and are in crisis.

However, it faced a number of Health and Safety Inspectorate orders relating to a lack of written policy or procedure in protecting employees from "violent or aggressive incidents" from clients.

Pictured: A screenshot of the Aviemore listing seeking offers in excess of £3m.

In 2023, former Chief Minister Kristina Moore announced it would be sold, with the proceeds going towards providing better outcomes for islanders in care.

The site was advertised at the start of this year as an "attractive" development opportunity, inviting expressions of interest with a deadline of 8 March and a guide price seeking offers over £3m.

Quérée Property Consultants Director Jonathan Quérée today told Express there had been "a number of expressions of interest".

"Those bids are continuing to be analysed by Government, and we are hoping to finalise a deal soon," he added.

Deputy Moore last year said that proceeds from the sale of the Aviemore unit would form a fund "dedicated to improving outcomes for care-experienced islanders."

The term generally refers to any person with experience of care, such as an individual who has spent time in foster care or in a children's home, or someone privately fostered or looked after at home under a supervision order. 

When approached for comment, the current Government said there was no update on the Aviemore sale.