A million square feet of ‘pipeline’ office space after Planning agree new Esplanade scheme

James Qualtrough | March 8, 2013 | 0 Comments

Jersey’s Planning Minister has approved the development of a six storey office scheme on the Esplanade.

Denchel Holdings applied to demolish the existing buildings at 22-23 Esplanade and 38-40 Commercial Street and build an office development with basement parking for cars and bikes.

The total size of the new scheme is just under 38,500 square feet and brings the total office space approved by Planning, but as yet undeveloped, to more than a million square feet.

An earlier application was refused because 38 Commercial Street, a 19th century warehouse, is a significant listed building and the Island Plan favours the preservation of historic buildings.

The developers sought advice from the Jersey Architecture Commission, and changed their plans to keep and refurbish the frontage of the building on the Commercial Street side.

The site may have some archaeological interest so the developers have to allow exploration of the site before development starts.

The revised scheme, which the developers believe will attract interest from large finance firms, will incorporate historic references to the building’s trading past. People entering the office development, will travel over a surface engraved with a series of images which show the people, names, industries and heritage of the site.

The Minister for Planning and Environment, Deputy Rob Duhamel agreed the application following a site visit.