LOOK INSIDE: First department of new government HQ completed

The first part of the new government building to be completed is the Customer Services centre, which is moving from La Motte Street.

The six-story government office block has replaced Cyril Le Marquand House on Union Street in St Helier at an estimated cost of around £100 million.

When Channel 103 last visited 12 months ago, we were told it was set to be finished in July 2024, with civil servants moving in by the end of this summer.

Now, the media has been invited back to see the new Customer Service centre, which is the first part of the project to be completed.

Situated on the ground floor, the centre is the only department to be fully-fitted out.

The government says Storm Ciaran is the reason for the summer completion was not met. 

Government officials have shown off the space for the first time. It's predicted to open to the public in early December, replacing Philip Le Feuvre House, where islanders currently go for registrations cards, passport applications, benefits and to submit tax returns.

Its features include soundproof private booths, baby changing, and a fully accessible public disabled toilet and changing area. 

Philip Le Feuvre House will be sold.

Sophie Le Sueur, Interim Chief Officer at Customer and Local Services said: "It's a really bright, welcoming and accessible space.

"We are going to be able to offer many great services here. Customers will really feel the benefit of this new building.

"(It) is bringing together staff from across 12 government buildings."

In other floors and departments, fit-out work is continuing.

Upon completion, various departments will be moving into the new building on the site of the former Cyril Le Marquand House, leaving eight government buildings empty.

The former Chief Minister, John Le Fondré, said the move would save the government £7 million annually by reducing the number of offices from 21 to six.

The arrangement with developers Dandara, announced when demolition began in December 2021, was for a 99 lease of the States-owned land  - with the government leasing the building for 25 years with an option to buy it outright at a pre-agreed price during the first three years.

The 2025 Budget, published last month and to be debated by the States Assembly in November, includes a proposal to purchase the new government building for £91 million.