Hotel, restaurant or homes? Students pitch Broad Street redevelopment ideas

Sunday 24 October 2021

Highlands students have been pitching their own ideas for the real-life Broad Street redevelopment project - including the possibility of a 50 room hotel, and a restaurant.

The new 'Design, Engineer, Construct!' programme aims to give students practical experience in the construction industry.

The programme, which is in partnership with Le Masurier and Garenne Group, has recently added its A-Level equivalent level 3 course, delivered at both Highlands and Hautlieu.

The students were challenged to create various sustainable designs for Le Masurier's upcoming £100m+ redevelopment of Broad Street, focusing on improving the community of St Helier.

Students could choose between:

• designing a 50 room 4-star boutique hotel concept which should include a bar, dining room and leisure facilities (and all supporting elements required to run them);

• developing a design for a restaurant run by a credible local chef that will accommodate 60 covers with associated service elements aimed at mid-high price dining - the restaurant should allow for 10-30 people at its bar prior to eating;

• and designing a scheme of 20-30 apartments aimed at first time buyers/ young professionals - there should be communal areas to support community life for residents and visitors.

Brian McCarthy, Managing Director of Le Masurier, said: "We've been delighted by the enthusiasm of the students for this innovative curriculum, which will result in young people achieving real-world practical experience and employable skills.

"It has been great to see them using a real site that we are currently carrying out feasibility studies on."

"Le Masurier have a big focus on engaging with and supporting our local communities and maximising the long-term social value we generate, so we are really excited to support and work with Jersey's future generation of innovators in our industry."

Marc Burton, Executive Director for the Garenne Group, commented: "We are thrilled to continue to be involved in delivering DEC! for the fourth year.

"The future of the construction industry in Jersey is dependent on the development of new talented individuals, so it is fantastic to now have a vocational course sat firmly in the school curricular."

"The practical learning involved helps the students respond to the challenges and needs of our island, with sustainability and the environment a key learning area."

Dave Roworth of Skills Jersey added: "It is so exciting to have the Level 3 qualification up and running. It completes an established pathway into the industry, either through further study, or directly into a chosen career role.

"Inspired by our wonderful and committed industry partners, these students will learn the skills and attributes to become leaders in their field, digitally adept young professionals who can put sustainability and community first for our island. The future is bright!"

Video: The students get stuck in on the sites.

DEC! lecturer at Highlands College and architecture graduate himself, Simon Forestiero said "DEC! prepares students for the workplace by providing a mix of theory on industry methods and standards made real due to the numerous opportunities to visit live sites and projects.

"This runs alongside invaluable 1:1 interactions with key professionals across the construction industry who not only describe these processes, but feedback on students' own work.

"The feedback from the pupils has been very positive. They have all been really engaged to learn what it takes to research, develop and build real projects in the built environment."