Plan For 33 New Homes Above New Look

Plans have been lodged to build 33 new homes above New Look on Halkett Place.

The first floor used to make up part of Jersey's Woolworths store, but has been empty for several years.

The building's owner wants to create 12 one-bed flats in that space; as well as to replace six flats currently above the shop with 12 new one-bedroom ones, and add a new third floor with five one-bed and four two-bed properties.

KEPPlanning says the owner wants to do this to help with the island's shortage of homes.

"The buildings upper levels currently have limited use as a retail space and the existing elements are in a poor state of repair. The proposal is to convert the existing buildings upper floor levels to residential apartments with the inclusion of a new third floor to the building.

Refurbishment of the upper levels will help to rejuvenate an existing building within an excellent location in a sustainable way to create high-quality residential accommodation and enhance the visual aesthetics of the building.

Picture Credit: Ellis Healey

The proposal comprises reorganising the ground floor space sales area incorporating a new goods lift and stair core to the rear and refurbishment to the existing stair core to include a new passenger lift.

Access to the building is retained with the building elevations to the rear courtyard space being re-constructed and the Halkett Place elevation being refurbished with replacement windows and elevation detail."

The escalator, which hasn't been used since Woolworths ran the shop, would be removed to separate the ground and first floors.

The apartments would be open-plan. Those on the first and second floors would have additional storage areas.

The third-floor properties would have balcony areas.

"The existing building is currently lower than the existing buildings on either side which are both four-storey buildings. The proposal looks to maintain the building mass to the main existing three storeys.

The introduction of a fourth storey increases the building height to a similar height to the adjacent buildings. The additional storey is set back from the elevation which reduces its impact on the street scene."

Other planned changes include a remodelled pedestrian access to Halkett Place, bicycle parking stores and a recycling area.