Jersey Royal Company Converts Talana Hotel into Worker Housing

The Jersey Royal Company has received approval to convert the shuttered Talana Hotel on Bagot Road into accommodation for approximately 80 workers. This decision comes after the company’s successful planning application, aimed at addressing a critical shortage of housing for its expanding workforce. The director of the company’s business unit, Mike Renouard, expressed optimism that the transformation would be completed by the middle of January 2024.

The hotel, which was recently acquired by the Jersey Royal Company following the purchase of its operations by Albert Bartlett, is part of a broader effort to house the growing number of migrant workers now employed by the company. Currently, the combined operations support around 300 staff, creating an urgent need for sufficient accommodation. The company has highlighted that the hotel’s conversion will alleviate some of the pressure on local housing availability.

Renouard noted that work on the site has already commenced. He emphasized the strategic advantages of the hotel’s location, stating, “They [the workers] can walk to town, there’s bus stops right outside, there’s supermarkets not far away – so for them it’s a good location as well.” This accessibility is expected to enhance the living conditions for the workers who will be housed there.

The decision to repurpose the Talana Hotel aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting its workforce while addressing local housing challenges. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the essential role migrant workers play in the agricultural sector, particularly in regions reliant on seasonal labor.

As the project progresses, the Jersey Royal Company aims to ensure that the accommodation meets the necessary standards for safety and comfort, thereby fostering a supportive environment for its dedicated employees. The completion of this project is particularly timely, as the demand for labor in the agricultural sector continues to rise.