Building work starts on new housing development

Construction work is starting to turn former government offices into 139 new homes.

Westward, a site at South Hill which overlooks St Aubin's Bay will include 35 of the flats for first-time buyers through shared equity.

The project is led by Jersey Development Company (JDC) who said more than half of the shared equity homes have already been sold.

Under the shared equity scheme buyers purchase 75% of the property, and JDC keeps the remaining 25%.

Lee Henry, CEO of JDC said the project provided a "welcome boost" to the construction industry, while "supporting local jobs" and "creating new homes for islanders".

JDC said a further 35% of open-market homes would be made available to first-time buyers through the firm's deposit payment plan - allowing buyers to reserve a home without a large upfront deposit.

Legendre, the construction firm behind the Horizon residential development at the Waterfront, is the main contractor for the development.

Thomas Vandecasteele, managing director of Legendre said: "We also see Westward as an opportunity to continue working to high construction standards while creating further benefits for Jersey and its local community."

Built on a brownfield site, the project includes a listed building which the firm said would be "restored and repurposed" to be used as a staffed concierge service.

In line with planning conditions, there will also be a "major upgrade" of the neighbouring Parish of St Helier playground, new public toilets and improved pedestrian routes, the firm said.

A new footpath will be constructed on South Hill, it said, while new pedestrian crossings, improved pedestrian routes will also be added.

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