GHA plans to buy Braye Lodge site from MSG for key worker housing

Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) has agreed to purchase the Braye Lodge site for £1.8million from the Medical Specialist Group (MSG), with the help of States funding from the capital grant allocated to the Affordable Housing Development Programme, to build vitally needed key worker accommodation a stone’s throw from the Princess Elizabeth Hospital campus. 

The GHA expects to build at least 20 properties on the site. Subject to the timescales involved in the planning application process and the availability of contractors, the new housing could be ready during 2026.  

MSG chair Steve Evans said: 

‘We are very much aware of the urgent need for homes that will attract healthcare professionals to the island so that we can continue to deliver the high-quality healthcare that islanders need and deserve. That’s why our partners chose the GHA offer over another offer we received – it's in line with our values of putting the patient first, partnership and long-term sustainability.’ 

Victoria Slade, Chief Executive, GHA, said: 

‘We’re pleased to be able to contribute to the provision of much needed housing for healthcare workers. This purchase will add to the several other sites we have bought in the last two years as we seek, with the States’ support, to continue efforts to develop the affordable housing the island needs. We are keen to get started on this project as soon as practicable, and hope to deliver the completed development by the end of 2026.’  

Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, said: 

‘We’re doing everything we can to respond to the island’s requirements for all types of affordable housing, and the acquisition of Braye Lodge will be a great step forward for key workers. The site is a prime location for this vital housing, being a short walk away from the PEH campus. It’s also perfectly positioned within easy reach of the amenities of both St Peter Port and St Martin’s parish centre. Coming on top of the purchase of the former CI tyres site for key worker accommodation, this latest acquisition will be part of an ongoing effort to relieve the well documented accommodation shortage for HSC employees.’   

Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:  

‘We’re grateful for the support of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, Policy & Resources Committee, and GHA, in recognising the importance of the Braye Lodge site. The provision of this much needed key worker accommodation in the vicinity of the hospital campus is one step, and combined with further steps to build essential accommodation on the PEH Campus, will help support our efforts to recruit the staff we need to deliver the island’s critical care services in the future.’  

From left to right: Dr Steve Evans, MSG chair, Deputy Peter Roffey, Deputy Al Brouard, Chris Hill, GHA chair

The MSG originally purchased Braye Lodge in 2019 to protect the car parking spaces which it had been renting there since 2007 for its support staff. As part of the deal, car parking spaces will be created on an area of land which the MSG will rent from a local landowner.