NEGOTIATIONS over the management of Havre des Pas Lido have broken down, sparking renewed uncertainty about the future of the historic site in St Helier.
Unresolved questions over how the Lido will be funded, maintenance costs for the 130-year-old pool and utility bills have caused a deadlock between government officials and representatives of a proposed charitable trust that was in line to take over the site.
Deputy David Warr, who represents St Helier South and chairs the Lido Steering Group, said that having been designated as preferred bidder in a tender process organised by Jersey Property Holdings, the proposed charity Love Our Lido had now lost this “preferred” status.
Following a demonstration in the Royal Square last October by Islanders concerned about the future of the venue, another public protest is planned over the coming weeks.
Although a second demonstration had been provisionally lined up for 21 October, coinciding with the next meeting of the States Assembly, Deputy Warr said a four-week “cooling-off” period remained in operation, potentially leading to a revised date.
“If meaningful negotiations are not re-engaged by early November, I understand there will be a gathering in the Royal Square on 11 November to demand immediate action,” he said, adding that “public energy and frustration on this issue have never been higher”.
With only 11 weeks until the expiry of the extended lease given to existing tenants BeServed Group at the end of last December, Deputy Warr said it would be unacceptable if the hospitality facility closed.
“It’s really important for the community that the café and hospitality space stay open,” he said. “People may say that swimmers will still go down there and use the pool, but the other facilities are a fundamental part of the Lido and without them there would be a greater chance of vandalism and the site becoming neglected.”
He added: “The situation should never have been allowed to reach such a state of uncertainty – what began as a straightforward, constructive proposal has become bogged down in excessive process and bureaucratic delay.”
A proposition lodged by Deputy Warr had been set to be debated by the States Assembly last October, but the debate was shelved after a last-minute agreement was reached, allowing BeServed to continue as tenant until the end of 2025 while discussions continued regarding a longer-term solution.
Addressing protesters last October, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham stressed that the government was “fully behind saving the Lido”.
The JEP has asked the Infrastructure Department, under which Jersey Property Holdings operates, to clarify the current position regarding the Lido.
