A TOWN Deputy has lodged a proposition to change the management of the Havre des Lido “from government oversight to a community-led charitable framework”.
Deputy David Warr said that his proposal would help secure its future and ensure the “iconic and special site thrives”.
His proposition asks the government to put the contract for the management and maintenance of the Havre des Pas Bathing Pool and Café out to tender.
Concerns were raised about the condition of the Lido when it emerged that the government had served notice on the company holding the tenancy for the linked restaurant and event space, The Lido, to quit the site.
Deputy Warr, who is also the chair of the newly formed Lido Steering Group, recently revealed that work was under way to register a “Love our Lido” limited company, which will apply for charitable status and seek to take over management of the bathing pool.
The group is hoping to emulate the success of Vive La Vallette, a not-for-profit charity which shares responsibility with the government in Guernsey for the La Vallette bathing pools in St Peter Port.
It also recently emerged that Jersey’s government intended to take vacant possession of Havre des Pas Lido in order to carry out maintenance and secure the future operation of the site.
In the report accompanying his proposition, Deputy Warr explained that he was seeking “to ensure that this historically significant, unique, iconic and special site thrives” by transitioning its management “from government oversight to a community-led charitable framework”.
He wrote: “The Steering Group has now established a company limited by guarantee named Love Our Lido.
“This entity is working on its application for charitable status in collaboration with the [Charity] Commission.
“The group comprises a diverse array of volunteers with extensive experience in multiple user groups related to the site.”
Deputy Warr continued: “Under current finance laws, the government ‘must’ tender the site.
“I hope that the government will align with the intentions of the Lido Steering Group and the Havre des Pas Improvement Group, and support transferring full management and maintenance of the site to the new company/charity, thereby securing its future.
“The Havre des Pas Improvement Group are also in favour of this transition and the continuation of the existing tenant.”
Deputy Warr’s proposition also asks the government to extend the contract of the current tenant until the tender process is completed.
