A DECISION to list the West Park bathing pool “celebrates its place in Jersey’s story”, a St Helier Deputy who has campaigned for it to be restored to its former glory has said.
The 128-year-old structure has been granted Grade 4 listed status, which defines landmarks as “buildings and places of special public and heritage interest to the Island”.
The news comes following the submission of a 30-page Historic Environment Asset Report by Jersey Heritage to Jersey Property Holdings in August and follows a campaign from hundreds of Islanders urging the government to reinvest in the historic structure.
St Helier North Deputy Inna Gardiner, whose constituency includes the pool, said the recognition “confirms the historical and cultural importance of the lake and celebrates its place in Jersey’s story”.
“This is a real community achievement made possible by the many Islanders who shared their memories, supported the campaign, and helped raise awareness,” she said.
“We now hope that the repair works can be completed early in 2026 so that residents and visitors alike can once again enjoy swimming at this historic sea bathing pool.”
Nina Zaech started an online petition to restore Victoria Marine Lake which surpassed 1,000 signatures.
Responding to the pool being given listed status, she said: “This is amazing news and of course strong confirmation for our campaign group and our hard work.
“It proves that Victoria Marina Lake has value and it is worth to repair and protect. Unfortunately listed status does not automatically mean that it has to be repaired – that is why we, as a group, are not overtrusting. The government has waited so long and the holes in the wall are now immense.”
She added that she hopes Islanders will be able to use the pool next year once repairs are carried out and that the “campaign will stay on alert” but added that “today is a day to celebrate”.
Built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, the Victoria Marine Lake was once the largest sea pool in the British Isles and remains one of the few surviving Victorian tidal pools in the world.
A Planning Department report published on Monday said the listing was granted in recognition of the pool’s “special interest” to Jersey.
It found that the site compares with other listed sea-water bathing pools in the UK, and “illustrates significant aspects of Jersey’s social and cultural history in its connection to the popularity of sea bathing in the 19th century”.
It also noted that the site has remained largely unchanged since its opening in 1897.
The official listing means the site is formally protected, and any works or activities affecting the site will need prior permission from the Planning Department.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan had previously said any major work to restore the site would be “uneconomical” for the public purse.
But emergency repairs are due to take place through Jersey Property Holdings in the coming weeks to address current safety risks.
The repairs will focus on “potential whirlpools and rip tides caused by tidal variations through the existing openings in the wall”, according to the States’ corporate landlord.
Full repair works are then planned to take place in stages from spring 2026 – depending on funding. An Expression of Interest will also be issued to explore future operating models.
