Chatham Views first phase handed over; GSD criticises delays

The first phase of Chatham Views Estate has been handed over by the contractor.

The Government adds that the first phase of Bob Peliza Mews is set to be ready by the end of the year.

However, it says, it recognises the delay in delivering this estate is causing frustration.

In response, the GSD has described the update as "tired and transparent electioneering", calling the delays "a disgraceful state of affairs".

Number Six says 94 apartments at Chatham Views have been handed over, with completions by buyers now being organised.

It says the next block will be handed over on the 16th June, and then the remaining two blocks on the 30th June.

Regarding Bob Peliza Mews, the Government says the first phase - three blocks and a total of 253 apartments - is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

It says the second phase has been delayed due to the need for AquaGib to vacate its Waterport facility.

It says the southern half of the site was released last year, with the first block in phase two expected to be completed late next year.

It says work had not yet been able to begin on the second block as AquaGib's water production facility had to remain operational - but that this is now being decommissioned.

The Government says once this is done, demolitions can begin, with work on the second block set to be completed within two years.

It adds there were added delays over the relocation of a warehouse; a new site was agreed, but - the Government claims - there were then demands for more space.

The Government says these demands were neither justified nor acceptable - but that a solution was found to allow the warehouse to remain on site, while the pensioner rental block will be built on an alternative site.

The GSD, for its part, says this latest update shows the deadlines have slipped "yet again" - pointing out that Chatham Views was meant to be ready by February this year, and Bob Peliza Mews phase one by July.

It says Chatham Views was announced nine years ago and Bob Peliza Mews eleven years ago.

It says attempting to justify these delays by citing the relocation of "critical national infrastructure" and the presence of a warehouse is a "weak excuse", as these would both have been there when the development was first announced.

The GSD's Damon Bossino says meanwhile, families remain trapped in uncertainty, with mortgage arrangements and other financial commitments in limo because they still do not know when their homes will be delivered.