Jersey hospital project approved by States

Work will now start on design and funding for the new hospital

After more than three years and a £5m search Jersey's new hospital will be rebuilt on its existing site.

Politicians were asked to vote for the £466m project that will also see the compulsory purchase of two hotels and other buildings.

There was an attempt by Constable Christopher Taylor to have the Waterfront considered as an alternative site but this was rejected.

Work will begin once planning permission has been granted.

Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of starting work on rebuilding the existing hospital, with 34 in favour to three against.

The journey of a hospital project

The current hospital will be expanded and rebuilt in stages

• In 2013, Deputy Anne Pryke, announced plans for a two site hospital split between the current location and the Overdale hospital site

• Following an election in 2014 Senator Andrew Green became health minister and announced he was dropping the two site plan in favour of one location

• A lengthy consultation followed before it was announced it would be in St Helier

• Four sites had been shortlisted: the current site, Overdale, People's Park and the St Helier Waterfront

• People's Park was dropped from the shortlist after public outcry at the potential loss of green space.

• There was then another consultation before Senator Green announced it would be built on the current site after spending £5m on the search

• That was followed by a scrutiny review which said the Waterfront would actually be the best location but Senator Green decided to continue with the current site

• Politicians have now voted on that and work will begin in the new year

During the debate it was confirmed the treasury will borrow up to £400m and use reserves to pay for the new hospital.

The £466m figure does not include the cost of work on Patriotic Street car park or accommodation costs for key workers during the build.

Repayment would come from interest on the strategic reserve, with any shortfalls caused by market fluctuations covered by selling assets owned by the States.

Senator Andrew Green said: "We are still on a journey, we have a lot of work to do."