Howard Davis Hall to pass to property company

Restoration work on the hall was completed in 2022

Jersey's Howard Davis Hall in St Saviour will be taken on by a government-owned property company two years after restoration work was completed, the government has said.

Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) will take over the running of the hall from 1 January.

The Grade I listed building and Howard Davis Park were gifted to the people of Jersey by TB Davis in 1939 in memory of his son, who died at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The government also said that JPH was "in the early stages of discussions with Jersey Heritage to explore possibilities for the future use of the hall".

Public access

A recent demonstration called for the public to be guaranteed access to the hall and to return a painting of Howard Davis and other artefacts to it.

A written response from minister for infrastructure Andy Jehan said: "We remain committed to identifying and facilitating as many opportunities as possible for public enjoyment of the hall."

However, the response stopped short of confirming that JPH had conditions in its contract guaranteeing public access.

Jehan said there were "several pieces of furniture, including bench seating and a selection of portraits, along with war medals, that have been restored and are in safekeeping".

A portrait of TB Davis was being "safely stored in the island" while restoration was arranged, the minister said.

Jehan added that Jersey Heritage was aiming to "include a story board at the hall explaining the progress of the restoration".