• Decision taken to seek the removal of three most damaged blocks (two buildings) of flats
• Memorial recommended which is to be agreed through consultation with the bereaved families, displaced residents, and the wider community
• Remaining blocks will stay for the time being while options for the future of the site are drawn up for consultation.
The Political Oversight Group for the Major Incidents has supported the recommendation from the Recovery Coordination Group (RCG) and Andium Homes to seek the removal of the most severely damaged blocks of flats at the Haut du Mont site.
The decision has been made for blocks containing flats 22 to 26 and 33 to 36 – the two buildings in the immediate impact zone – as the buildings rapidly degrade, including falling material, particularly during high winds.
In their decision making, Ministers also considered the continued presence of the buildings proving emotionally triggering for some most impacted by the incident.
The most appropriate mechanism for granting the demolition of the buildings is being worked onand more information will follow.
The Political Oversight Group has recommended that the area of the site occupied by these buildings, and the explosion site itself, should be considered for use as a memorial to the incident.
The form of the memorial is to be agreed through consultation with the bereaved families, displaced residents, and the wider community.
Bereaved families and displaced residents have been informed of the decision and they continue to receive support through States of Jersey Police Family Liaison Officers and the Support Hub.
While an immediate term decision has been taken about the most damaged buildings, the remaining blocks, flats 1 to 21 inclusive, will remain for the time being while the damage to them is fully assessed and the future of the site is considered.
The future of the entire Haut du Mont site is a matter of the highest sensitivity and can only be concluded following appropriate consultation with bereaved families, displaced residents, and those immediately impacted by the incident.
Deputy Chief Minister and Chair of the Political Oversight Group for the Major Incidents, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: “The immediate proposal is to seek removal of the three most damaged blocks and the associated materials. This work being considered necessary by the RCG with the support of Andium to appropriately manage the risk to public safety.
“These blocks lost windows due to the explosion, and the roof structures have been deemed severely damaged. This has allowed water penetration over the last four months which has further damaged the interior of the structures. Internal degradation and collapse of ceilings now pose a threat to anyone entering the buildings.
“Ministers are seeking the most appropriate mechanism for granting the demolition of the buildings, and a further update will be provided in due course.
“The decision has been taken with the highest sensitivity and with the best interests of bereaved families, displaced residents, and our Island community. Ministers have recommended that a memorial is to be agreed for the explosion site itself and the immediate surrounding area where the buildings to be demolished currently stand. This will be in consultation with the bereaved families, displaced residents, and the wider community.”
Government of Jersey Press Release