LA POUQUELAYE residents could get a permanent youth and community centre if the States back a cut-price bid for the site from the Constable of St Helier.
Simon Crowcroft wants to buy the site for around £300,000 – much less than its value if redeveloped for housing, which has been put at almost £2 million.
But he wants to include a covenant in the deal that would prevent it from being used for anything other than a community centre, and which would guarantee the States a windfall if it was eventually turned into housing. The move is being backed by the parish and other organisations including youth and toddler groups, photography classes, overseas aid charities and the Band of the Island of Jersey.
Last year Mr Crowcroft tried a similar proposition with the States, but he lost out after former district Deputy Jacqui Huet proposed that States Members move to the next item without voting on the proposal.
His proposition has been lodged with the States and Mr Crowcroft will push for a debate at the next sitting on 20 January. The report accompanying the proposition says that the site has been offered to Centre Point, a charity which provides affordable childcare, but that the sale is on hold.
Pictured: The site at La Pouquelaye where a permanent community centre could be established
