LA Frégate Café could be moved 200m to the northwest, if newly submitted plans are approved.
The café was listed as a Grade 2 building in November, prompting a rethink from the Jersey Development Company, whose proposals for a major redevelopment of the area include a multi-million-pound redesign around Jardins de la Mer.
The redevelopment also includes 1,000 flats, a new leisure complex and an amphitheatre, but had no space for the café, which would have been removed.
Campaigners, including local architect Derek Mason who helped design it, had lobbied for its listing to protect the building.
The States-owned developer has now submitted new documents to its detailed planning application for its Southwest St Helier proposals.
A structural assessment on moving the café states: ‘It is recommended that the relocation of the building consist of jacking the building off the supporting discrete piers, constructing a chassis under the building, transporting on a constructed track and reseating on a new structure at the proposed new location. Variations of this recommendation are possible.
‘The purposed relocation is a practically feasible option in structural engineering terms that retains the structural integrity and overall form of the building, thus protecting its architectural significance to the greatest possible extent.’
It adds: ‘Repairs to the building should be expected to be required following the relocation.
‘While not specifically structural, the building appears to have durability issues with the cladding and the adequacy of weathering at openings. Damage from water ingress is evident internally.
‘Replacement of the cladding should be expected given that the building is understood to be constructed in c.1997.
‘Sealing of the cladding would require careful consideration due to the changing vertical profile of the façades. The weathering around openings will also require attention. Corroding walkways will also require to be replaced. Change to more durable cladding and external steelwork is advisable.’
The proposed new location is further around the bay, towards Victoria Avenue, on yet-to-be-reclaimed land.
The JDC plans propose extinguishing the current slipway used by the castle amphibious vehicles and building a new beach access further to the northwest, which would be parallel to the relocated café.
Mr Mason, who supported the late Will Alsop in designing La Frégate, has argued that that it will fall apart if attempts are made to move it.
