Aviemore sold to JDC for housing

A disused government building in St Martin is being sold to Jersey Development Company for housing.

The Infrastructure Minister has signed an order to transfer Aviemore for an initial £ 1.3 million, less the half the price it was on the market for.

The former health building next to Haut de la Garenne was listed for offers in excess of £3 million.

Constable Andy Jehan has signed a Ministerial Decision to let it go to JDC for less than half that sum, plus a further unspecified amount on planning consent being granted for Aviemore's future use.

We asked JDC about its plans . It provided a statement: 

“Jersey Development Company is a Government-owned regeneration company, and its remit is to complete the development of St. Helier’s Waterfront as well as redevelop any surplus-owned Government property.  

"Once the transaction is complete, Jersey Development Company will advance plans for the redevelopment of the site for new homes.”

The previous government said its money from its sale would be used to 'improve outcomes' for islanders who have spent time in care.

Asked about the deal in the States Assembly, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham confirmed that, in January 2023, the then-minister agreed to dispose of the site and to use the revenue to create a fund for care leavers.

"To obtain the best value in return, the government put it out to tender, five bids were received but none came up to what was expected.

"Subsequently we've had an offer from SoJDC of £1.3 million, pending planning permission.

"Once that planning permission comes through, depending on what scheme they approve, that could lead to further additional payments, taking the purchase price over £3 million."

Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan later gave an update, confirming the proceeds of the sale would benefit care-leavers:

“The sale of Aviemore to the Jersey Development Company represents a strategic step forward, with a completion payment of £1,300,000 alongside an agreed overage arrangement payment.

"This additional payment, based on a formula, will be paid within 14 days of Planning Consent being granted.

"Crucially, this uplift is not reliant on works being completed or properties being sold, providing a guaranteed and timely return.

"The full value of the revenue generated from this sale will be allocated to the Endowment Fund for Care-Experienced Islanders, ensuring that this decision delivers meaningful and lasting support for our community.”