Major overhaul of Les Genats estate is planned
PLANS for a major overhaul of Les Genats estate at Cobo are being drawn up by architects working with the Guernsey Housing Association.
The redevelopment of the 1960s-built estate is intended to follow similar lines to the rebuild of the Grand Bouet a few years ago, improving the range of housing, the condition of the properties, and enabling more households on the site.
The Employment & Social Security Committee has identified the redevelopment as a priority for this term and the Guernsey Housing Association is now working with architects to design a phased redevelopment plan. Plans should be submitted to Development & Planning Authority by early autumn. Once permission is granted, the work is expected to take several years to complete.
‘There is significant potential to redevelop the site into several high-quality clos, of mixed tenures including social rental, partial ownership and key worker accommodation, for the benefit of residents,’ said Employment & Social Services president Peter Roffey.
‘Ultimately, Les Genats is no longer fit for purpose, its design both in terms of the layout of properties and their make-up does not best meet the island’s current affordable housing needs.’
The redevelopment is targeting the over-supply of three-bedroomed homes on the estate. It is intended to build a more diverse range of homes and a mix of tenancies, key worker and partial-ownership properties. The work is set to take place over four phases.
‘It is about enhancing the community feel of the area and better addressing the island’s affordable housing requirements now and for the future,’ Deputy Roffey said. ‘It is well-established that as a community we need fewer three-bed social rental homes and more one-bed properties.’
The needs and concerns of current Les Genats tenants are uppermost in politicians’ minds, said Deputy Roffey.
‘I have written to them to promise that they will be involved throughout the process,’ he said. ‘Tenants’ requirements will all be taken into account as part of decants required during the phased redevelopment.’
Castel senior constable Kelvin Hudson welcomed news that the redevelopment was moving forward.
‘I think any proposals to improve the quality of housing there have to be welcomed, and the effect that may have on the mix of the people living there,’ he said. ‘We’re looking forward to seeing the details of the proposals.’
