La Frégate on the Esplanade, St Helier, has been awarded Grade 2 listed status, based on its architectural significance, following a recommendation from Jersey Heritage.
Jersey Heritage is the Government of Jersey’s advisor on the special interest of buildings and places and has reviewed the proposal for listing that was submitted earlier this year by Save Jersey’s Heritage with the support and advice of the Twentieth Century Society.
In its report, Jersey Heritage says the building has special architectural interest because:
• The unique exterior of the building is of special interest for its architectural design, and it could be argued that La Frégate has become a landmark building, enhancing its architectural interest.
• The interiors are thoughtful and contemporary
• The design of the building is innovative and by a known and respected architect.
La Frégate was based on a conceptual design by the British architect Will Alsop, of Alsop and Störmer, whose buildings have received many awards, including the Stirling Prize, the RIBA Regional Award for Architecture, and the Civic Trust Award. Derek Mason of the Jersey-based Mason Design Partnership, delivered the design, working with John Leveridge.
The Twentieth Century Society – a UK-based charity which campaigns to save outstanding modern buildings and design, supported the listing on the basis that: “The structure expresses the innovative approach to design that characterised Will Alsop’s career. It is an exceptional, well-preserved piece of late 20th-century design. Its exterior, an exercise in ‘wilful shape-making’, is unique and innovative, and its interiors thoughtful and contemporary”.
The owners were notified of the intention to list earlier this year, with the final decision made by the Government of Jersey’s Group Director of Regulation, Kelly Whitehead.
An appeal, to the Minister for the Environment, against the listing of the building can still be made.
La Frégate is on the St Helier Waterfront where there are outline plans, submitted by Jersey Development Company, to develop the area. The listing of a building or place does not necessarily prevent change to a heritage asset. However, any planning decision affecting a listed building needs to have explicit regard to its special interest.
Government of Jersey News Release