"The regeneration
of Les Quennevais will also become a regular agenda item for the Regeneration
Steering Group, if politicians back her proposition. Deputy Miles said that
consideration should be given to options which would enhance the area, which
could include the taxpayer-owned States of Jersey Development Company buying
and redeveloping all of shops there." (Bailwick Express)
But how much would it cost to buying and redeveloping all of shops there?
Here are some estimates of how much and how long. It is possible, but given the current constraints on States spending, other demands on the JDC, it would take a considerable time. There is no magic money tree, or instant progress. This all needs careful planning and budgeting. Once plans have been drawn up, a cost accountant should also review the estimates.
So let’s integrate compulsory purchase into the phased refurbishment model—recognizing both the legal complexity and the strategic leverage it offers. This version assumes the States back Deputy Miles’ proposition and empower SoJDC or another public body to initiate acquisition under Jersey’s relevant planning or regeneration powers.
Phased Refurbishment Model with Compulsory Purchase
Phase 1: Tactical Renewal (2025–2026)
Goal: Improve public perception and usability with minimal capital outlay.
- Cosmetic upgrades: paint, signage, lighting
- Public realm tweaks: benches, planters, bike racks
- Accessibility improvements
Estimated Cost: £1.5–2.5 million
Duration: 6–12 months
Phase 2: Strategic Acquisition & Compulsory Purchase (2026–2027)
Goal: Secure control of key properties to enable coherent refurbishment and long-term stewardship.
Scope
- Voluntary acquisition of vacant or underused units
- Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for fragmented or resistant ownership
- Legal and valuation process under Jersey’s Planning and Building Law or regeneration powers
- Stakeholder engagement and compensation mechanisms
Estimated Cost: £6–10 million
- Includes market value compensation, legal fees, and relocation support
Duration: 12–18 months
Phase 3: Refurbishment & Energy Retrofit (2027–2029)
Goal: Modernize interiors and reduce operational costs across publicly controlled units.
- HVAC upgrades, insulation, solar panels
- Interior fit-outs for retail and community use
- Creation of flexible-use spaces (e.g. youth hub, pop-up gallery)
Estimated Cost: £3–5 million
Duration: 18–24 months
Phase 4: Reconfiguration & Public Realm Integration (2029–2031)
Goal: Improve layout, visibility, and ecological integration.
- Selective demolition of redundant units
- Reconfiguration of pedestrian routes and sightlines
- Landscape integration with Railway Walk and green buffers
Estimated Cost: £4–6 million
Duration: 12–18 months
Phase 5: Stewardship & Cultural Activation (2031–2035)
Goal: Embed long-term community use and cultural vitality.
- Establish precinct management trust or cooperative
- Cultural programming: markets, performances, seasonal events
- Maintenance fund and volunteer stewardship schemes
Estimated Cost: £500k–£1 million
Duration: Ongoing
Total Estimated Cost: £15–24 million
This model offers:
- Legal clarity and control through CPOs
- Scalable investment aligned with funding availability
- Community legitimacy via phased engagement and stewardship
Digging Deeper into Compulsory Purchase
Let’s break down how Strategic Acquisition & Compulsory Purchase might be costed out in the context of Les Quennevais, drawing on Jersey precedents and commercial property norms.
Costing Out Strategic Acquisition & Compulsory Purchase
1. Property Valuation
- Commercial units in Les Quennevais vary in size and condition, but a reasonable benchmark is:
- £250–£400 per square foot for acquisition
- For ~20 units averaging 1,000–1,500 sq ft each, that’s £5–12 million total
Example: In 2018, the States paid £409,000 via compulsory purchase for three fields near Les Quennevais School—after initially offering £253,000. This shows how negotiated settlements can escalate under pressure.
2. Legal & Professional Fees
- Surveyors, legal teams, and valuation experts are essential for CPOs.
- Estimated at 5–10% of acquisition costs: £250k–£1 million
3. Compensation & Relocation
- Under Jersey law, CPOs must offer:
- Market value compensation
- Disturbance payments (e.g. business disruption)
- Relocation support for tenants or owner-occupiers
This could add £500k–£1.5 million, depending on the number of affected parties and complexity of relocation.
4. Contingency & Dispute Resolution
- CPOs often involve negotiation, appeals, or tribunal processes.
- A prudent 10–15% contingency is advisable: £1–2 million
Total Estimated Cost Range: £7–16 million
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Acquisition | £5–12 million |
| Legal & Professional Fees | £250k–£1 million |
| Compensation & Relocation | £500k–£1.5 million |
| Contingency | £1–2 million |
Strategic Notes
- Voluntary acquisition first: Reduces cost and friction
- Phased targeting: Prioritize vacant or underused units
- Public transparency: Essential to avoid reputational risk
- Legal authority: Must be clearly delegated under Jersey’s Planning or Regeneration Law
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