What are heritage assets worth?

What are heritage assets worth?

But while Antiques Roadshow to Cash in the Attic attract huge audiences, it seems the States have not quite got in on the act.

The States accounts reveal that the States owns a remarkable array of valuable ‘heritage’ assets, but has no real idea what many of them are worth.

Among the treasure trove is a collection of rare books which is stored at Jersey Library. It has an estimated value of £265,000.

There’s the antique cannon at Fort Regent and a raft of honours boards, memorials and clocks strewn across the Island.

It boasts a number of pianos and organs, notably the chapel organ at Highlands College which is considered by experts to be a grade-one example of such a musical instrument. It dates back to 1913 and has a resale value of an estimated £600,000.

And if you like your art, the public sector’s collection spans paintings, sculptures, statues and fountains. Among them are pieces whose provenance and value is unknown, and the cost of finding out is more than it is currently thought worth.

The ceremonial Bailiff’s Mace and the Royal Seal are also considered part of the heritage-assets collection. They too have yet to be valued.

The mace is 350 years old this year, having originally been given to the Bailiff by King Charles II in 1663 as a symbol of his thanks for his experiences of Jersey, which consisted of two visits during his years in exile.

Jersey Heritage Trust helps keep tabs on the collection and advises the States on acquisitions and disposals. There has been no significant sell-off or purchase in the past year.

Beyond the ‘heritage assets’, the States of Jersey owns a portfolio of heritage properties that will be much more familiar to Islanders.

They comprise Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil, 11 forts and towers, the Opera House and St James Centre.

The combined collection has an unknown monetary value as their primary value to the Island is cultural, environmental and historical.

The States say: ‘These assets have not been valued where the incomparable nature of the assets means a reliable valuation is not possible, or level of costs of valuation greatly exceed the additional benefits derived by users of the States accounts.’

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –