Government Buys Former Jersey Gas Site for £1 to Build New Primary School

The former Jersey Gas site at Tunnell Street will be sold to the government for just £1, paving the way for a new town primary school.

The deal, revealed in last week’s Budget, involves an agreement between the Infrastructure Minister and Andium Homes, which currently owns the Gas Place land. Under the arrangement, the government will reduce the annual returns Andium normally pays to the States by £1.5 million over the next decade, compensating the housing provider for the site’s value. If alternative funding becomes available, the government could repay Andium sooner and restore payments to their previous level.

More than £12 million has been earmarked in the 2025–2029 Budget for a new two-form entry school at Gas Place, replacing St Luke’s and Springfield.

However, earlier this year St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft called for Ministers to reassess the need for another town school, pointing to falling birth rates and demographic changes. He also urged consideration of the impact of expanding Millennium Town Park, a proposal he has repeatedly raised in the Assembly.

Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward defended the project, describing the new school as “much-needed.” He said it would replace “ageing” facilities with modern, purpose-built classrooms.

“It is absolutely clear that demand in schools is increasing,” he added. “This site will provide a dedicated place for children, including those with the greatest need who are currently at La Passerelle primary school.”