Building constructed to keep the French out now planned to help bring them in

Wednesday 25 March 2015

A 200-year-old building in the heart of town that has been used as a military garrison, a lock-up and a police station has a new prospective tenant – the new Visit Jersey office promoting tourism.

It was revealed in the States yesterday that the States are negotiating with Visit Jersey over a lease for Picquet House in the Royal Square.

If an agreement is reached, it will mark a bit of a change of use for the building, which was built in 1802 as a military guardhouse to protect against the French, and which has most recently been used as a police station.

Last year the States blocked a planned sale of the site to keep it for community use.

Answering questions in the States yesterday, Treasury Minister Alan Maclean said: “The property comprising 11 royal square and picquet house has been identified as an excellent location for a new tourism centre by Visit Jersey. Jersey Property Holdings are currently discussing terms of occupation with Visit Jersey.”

He added that Visit Jersey would be expected to pay rent for the building.