A WATERFRONT restaurant which closed its doors at the beginning of the pandemic could be turned into a nursery, a ministerial decision has revealed.
The Bar, which is located next door to AquaSplash, was previously operated by the Liberation Group but, along with most other hospitality businesses, was ordered to close in March 2020.
Although bars, restaurants and cafés began to reopen during the following May – for outdoor-only seated food service – bosses at the business revealed they would not be reopening the site, due in part to a lack of staff.
Now, a ministerial decision, signed by Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis, says that La Petite Ecole – which is currently based at Fort Regent – could take over the site.
It says: ‘In order to facilitate the proposed relocation of La Petite Ecole infant nursery from Fort Regent, the States of Jersey Development Company [the landlord] has recommended that the use clause within the lease for the premises occupied by The Bar at the Waterfront Leisure Centre be amended to include a nursery provision.’
The signing of the ministerial decision comes after the unveiling of major redevelopment plans for a large part of the Waterfront site.
They include 1,001 homes, an ‘arthouse’ cinema, two swimming pools, gardens, as well as several cafés, bars and restaurants.
A public inquiry is due to be held to enable an independent planning inspector to examine the plans and hear representations from interested parties.
The inspector will compile a report for the Environment Minister, and recommend whether they should approve or refuse the scheme.
A date for the inquiry has yet to be set.
