New Proposals Unveiled for Long-Undeveloped Site

Questions are being raised over the future of one of St Helier’s most prominent development sites, two years after plans for a major housing and hotel scheme were approved but remain unbuilt.

The £120 million Les Sablons project, near Charing Cross, was given planning permission in 2023 for 238 apartments and a 103-bedroom aparthotel. Around 15% of the homes across the two-acre site between Broad Street and Commercial Street were set to be classed as affordable.

However, progress has stalled, with concerns previously raised in the States Assembly about the scheme’s financial viability. The developer, Les Masurier, recently confirmed there was still “no update” on when work might begin.

With uncertainty surrounding the project, politicians have begun suggesting alternative uses for the land if the approved plans cannot proceed. Deputy Inna Gardiner said the site could be an ideal location for a further education college or university campus, which she said would benefit both students and the wider community.

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said he supported regenerating the area but questioned whether the town needed more flats. He said other facilities would better serve the town centre, including a multi-storey car park, which he described as a strong priority. He also suggested an additional hotel could be valuable for the area.

Deputy Gardiner said discussions now needed to take place between the parish, the Government and the developer to determine a realistic way forward. She stressed that cooperation, rather than confrontation, was needed to ensure the site delivered meaningful benefits for the community if the original scheme could not be progressed.