Green light to demolish derelict Overdale buildings

Thursday 02 March 2023

The government has been given permission to demolish derelict buildings at the Overdale Hospital site, potentially paving the way for new health facilities to be built there.

While the government decided to scrap previous Ministers' £800m 'health campus' plan at Overdale after review led by the Infrastructure Minister concluded it would be "inappropriate" and "unaffordable", it has not ruled out building some health-related buildings there as part of its new multi-site approach.

Today, the government reported that it had received a planning permit to demolish derelict buildings on the site and that work is underway on feasibility studies for their multi-site solution, with the input of clinicians.

It said having this in advance of any decision about what do build would enable it to start construction work as quickly as possible.

Pictured: One of the derelict buildings at Overdale.

However, that permission has been accompanied by a set of obligations, including requiring the Ministers for Infrastructure and Health to: find a new home for the Jersey Bowling Club, contribute to the West Park Surface Water Separation Scheme, and take steps to ensure highways access, bus infrastructure, parking, and a travel plan.

Whilst the agreement includes the need to address the future relocation of Jersey Bowling Club, the government explained that this is an area of focus of the feasibility studies since it was one of the areas of potential savings identified in the review report.

Pictured: Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Tom Binet.

Infrastructure Minister Deputy Tom Binet said: "The signature of the Planning Obligation Agreement and the release of planning permission means we can carry out demolition works on derelict buildings at Overdale, and we create the opportunity to move as quickly as possible once we have agreed the appropriate way forward with Health colleagues and concluded feasibility studies."

He added: "I believe we can proceed with schemes for healthcare services that are appropriate and affordable, are more sympathetic to the surrounding areas, and that deliver the appropriate supporting infrastructure.

"This signifies our absolute commitment to moving forward with development at Overdale, as part of our plans for cost-effective and high-quality healthcare facilities."