Shelter planned for ex-care home after £2.9m sale falls through

Monday 14 October 2019

A former elderly care home is being considered as a site for sheltered housing after its £2.9million sale to developers fell through.

According to St. Helier’s Chief Executive, discussions over the fate of St. Helier House are currently underway with Andium Homes – albeit at a “very early stage."

The Westmount-based site, which still houses a nursery, was controversially put up for sale earlier this year after fire safety issues emerged, forcing the exit of its elderly residents.

Among the dissenters was Minister for Housing, Senator Sam Mézec, who urged parishioners to vote against the sale to an anonymous developer at a parish meeting in August. 

Pictured: The St. Helier House site is based near People's Park and is home to Westmount Day Nursery.

In the end, the £2.9million sale was approved, with a last-minute catch that would have seen some of the site’s increased value after development make its way back to the Parish. 

However, the Parish revealed in a statement on Friday that it had not been possible to reach agreement with the developer following the addition of the new sale terms. 

With negotiations having ended, the Constable and Procureurs du Bien Public asked officers to explore “alternative opportunities for the site”.

Despite having previously rejected a bid from Andium Homes, the Parish said that “exploratory discussions” are now underway with the social housing provider with a view to delivering a “sheltered housing facility”.

Pictured: Constable Simon Crowcroft expressed his support for the sheltered housing idea, but said it was "early days."

Jason Turner, the Parish’s Chief Executive, explained: “Both the Parish and Andium can see the potential benefits of a scheme of this nature for the local community.  Before being able to make any firm proposals we need to work together to ascertain whether it is feasible, affordable and deliverable.”

Chief Executive of Andium Homes, Ian Gallichan described the opportunity as “exciting”, while Constable Simon Crowcroft added: “Whilst it is very early days and discussions are only just commencing, I am impressed and encouraged by the interest and enthusiasm of the teams at the Parish and Andium to explore these ideas.”

He also said that the Parish remained committed to keeping Westmount Day Nursery, which provides care for three to five-year-olds, at the site.

Pictured top: The Parish Assembly held in August to decide the fate of St. Helier House.