Blast-Damaged Apartments Almost Fully Restored

Vue du Port Flats Set for Reoccupation by End of 2025

The refurbishment of flats damaged in the Haut du Mont explosion is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, according to Andium Homes, the States of Jersey’s housing provider.

Work began earlier this year to restore 21 one-bedroom apartments at the St Helier residential block, which will be renamed Vue du Port. The renovation follows the devastating explosion on 10 December 2022, which claimed the lives of 10 residents and destroyed a number of homes in the area.

Andium Homes chief executive Ian Gallichan said the housing company had worked closely with bereaved families and displaced residents in developing plans for the refurbished site.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” Mr Gallichan said. “Refurbishment of the homes commenced at the beginning of this year and will be completed and ready to be re-occupied at the end of 2025.”

The victims of the explosion were: Ken Ralph, 72; Jane Ralph, 71; Peter Bowler, 72; Raymond Brown, 71; Romeu de Almeida, 67; Louise de Almeida, 64; Derek Ellis, 61; Sylvia Ellis, 73; Billy Marsden, 62; and Kathleen McGinness, 73.Ms McGinness, who lived in an adjacent building, was hospitalised after the blast and passed away on Christmas Day 2022.

The site where the original buildings once stood has been transferred to the Government of Jersey, which plans to create a memorial in honour of those who lost their lives.

The response to the incident remains under scrutiny. Last month, the government’s Complaints Board confirmed an external review would be carried out following concerns raised by the bereaved.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings are ongoing. Three former employees of Island Energy – Neil Armstrong, 56; Lee Ward, 57; and John Wright, 59 – have each pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of gross negligence manslaughter. Jersey Gas Company Ltd, trading as Island Energy, has also denied two charges relating to alleged failures in health and safety duties to both staff and the public.

Jersey’s Royal Court is expected to determine whether the cases against the individuals and the company will be heard together. The three men are due back in court on 1 October.