THE Government has said there is a “diminishing requirement” to restore the crumbling Victoria Marine Lake, despite renewed public interest in the historic bathing pool.
The Infrastructure Minister made the comments in response to fresh calls to save the once-popular 1897 attraction, which has lain unused since a 10-metre hole appeared in its retaining wall during storms in 2019.
Although a 240-strong campaign group has formed around the cause and a public meeting was held by Deputy Inna Gardiner earlier this month, Constable Andy Jehan said that repair work was not being actively considered.
He said the likely costs would be “uneconomical”, particularly as the pool saw “very limited” use when it was previously under a parish lease – in part due to sea lettuce.
Citing “considerable investment” in facilities elsewhere – including the Havre des Pas pool, which now offers sea swimming at low tide – the Minister added that, with Waterfront regeneration and shoreline defence work underway, the need for the Marine Lake was waning.
While officials had explored various options with contractors, he said there was little that could be done other than a full replacement of the granite and cement structure, which would require “comprehensive” works in what is “an unforgiving environment”.
