Another push to convert Jersey Mutual offices to flats

Thursday 22 June 2023

Plans to convert the Jersey Mutual building into flats have been downsized and resubmitted for approval after being rejected in March.

Based in Halkett Place, the former insurance company building was vacated in 2022.

The initial application to convert the office space, at 74 Halkett Place, was put forward at the end of last year and proposed 11 one-bedroom flats.

However, those plans were rejected in March, in part due to a lack of storage and potential disturbances for the future residents, including noise from the road and a lack of sunlight.

If the new plans are approved, the empty office space would become one one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats.

According to planning agents MAC Architectural Services, the new proposal provides more storage for residents.

Pictured: The original floor plan for the first two floors of the Jersey Mutual building put forward last year.

Director of MAC Architectural Services Matthew Collins wrote in a supporting statement that accompanied the application: "Amenity space has been added to the existing units and some allocated for the new units.

"The units far exceed the area requirements for apartments of this size and dedicated bike parking is provided at street level with electric charging points available."

He added that the office space on the first floor had been "partially retained".

"We must point out that the original unit [office space] has been advertised for over a year for rent and had no interest and is currently empty," Mr Collins wrote.

He added: "The top-floor existing units are to be substantially improved by having the external roof space improved and dedicated external space added to these apartments and a communal area for the new apartments."

Jersey Mutual, who's name still adorns the building, are one of Jersey's oldest and best-known insurers, being founded in 1869. Whilst still based at the building in 2018, the company was discovered to have a £900,000 deficit in its account, leading to a probe.

In March, three people appeared in the Royal Court accused of being part of a £3.7m fraud against the 154-year-old company.