Premier Inn coming to Jersey as part of huge £12 million Co-op scheme

Tuesday 02 September 2014

New £12 million plans for the Co-op redevelopment including a new Premier Inn hotel have been released.

After the controversial rejection of the Co-op’s previous set of plans for their Charing Cross building earlier this year, the society has gone back to the drawing board and come up with a new scheme for a bigger store that would bring one of the UK’s best-known hotel chains to the Island for the first time with a new 91-room hotel in the heart of town.

The plans would also see three of the historical listed buildings on the block given to the National Trust for Jersey for restoration.

The head of the Jersey Tourism Shadow Board, John Henwood, has already put his backing behind the proposals as a confidence booster for the tourism sector, and Premier Inn say that they’re excited by the project.

Premier Inns Head of Acquisitions (provinces), John Bates, said: ‘We have been looking for the right opportunity to invest in Jersey and the right partner for some time - it's a location where we want to open and to bring the benefits of Premier Inn investment, choice and year-round jobs.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Channel Islands Co-operative Society and look forward to taking this exciting opportunity through the planning process and, all being well, into construction as soon as possible.”

Co-op chief executive Colin Macleod said that if the plans are passed, 83% of the building work could be done by Jersey companies with enough work to sustain 300 jobs, while more jobs were likely to be created by the enlarged food store.

He said: “This new plan represents a substantial investment in the heart of St Helier, which balances a commitment to preserving the heritage of the town, creating employment and regeneration for the area, bringing opportunities for both islanders and visitors.

“If approved, this project is fully funded and can be implemented immediately to have a speedy and meaningful impact on the island’s economy.

“As an organisation owned by, and run for our community, we are thrilled to be in a position to bring forward such a compelling proposal for this tired location.”