A series of three feasibility studies for a prominent site on the St Helier Waterfront
Hill Harvey-Wood were appointed by a Channel Islands based investment fund to propose development options for 40 Esplanade, which looks out over St Aubin’s Bay in Jersey and occupies a deep, narrow plot linking the historic old-town of St Helier to the north and a growing financial quarter to the south. These ranged from an 11,000 m2 government of Jersey headquarters to a muti-tenant office community.
The esplanade was originally home to a string of granite warehouses but this frontage has been all but lost, replaced with piecemeal commercial development. The proposed 5,000 m2 scheme proposes to re-establish the presence of a more substantial and enduring architecture on the Esplande; a new granite façade anchors the building in its context facing Elizabeth Castle across the bay. The existing concrete frame is to be retained and the office floor plates will be organised as a variety of open and cellular spaces around two courtyards. The existing timber mansard roof which is in disrepair will be replaced with a generous south-west facing loggia and meeting spaces.