The club is in need of new premises following the decision by the States earlier this week that Westmount Road should be the preferred access route for the proposed new hospital at Overdale.
Under the plans, the club’s current home would be demolished to make way for the road, and the government has proposed Warwick Farm as an alternative.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Hugh Raymond, who holds political responsibility for sport, said he was committed to making sure the bowling club, which has been situated on Westmount Road since 1912, was relocated as soon as possible and given a high-quality facility.
He said: ‘We need to look after the club, who have a rich history, and make sure they get what they want. If they move to Warwick Farm they need a bigger clubhouse and more available parking. I don’t think the bowls club will want to move from Westmount but, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like they have a choice. However, we must make sure we back them and that they are happy with the new facility.’
Warwick Farm is occupied by Jersey Hemp but Deputy Raymond is hopeful that there will be no issue in accommodating the club.
‘Jersey Hemp have already been spoken to by the relevant bodies and from what I gather there has been no objections,’ he said.
The club will continue to operate from its Westmount base until September, Deputy Raymond has confirmed.
He added: ‘Hopefully, they will get a summer season of bowls in at their home before they move in September.’
Deputy Raymond said he did not know how long the proposed move would take, but hoped a new home could be built as soon as possible.
‘My top priority is to make sure that the club do not have to move into an empty space and that everything is ready to go when they need to relocate.’The Jersey Bowling Club was approached by the JEP, but did not want to comment.
