THE government has moved to emphasise the determination of ministers to maintain Havre des Pas Lido as “a thriving community asset”.
Assistant Infrastructure Minister and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft issued a statement yesterday in response to concerns raised by the Lido Steering Group after talks over the future of the site stalled.
Mr Crowcroft said: “A process to appoint a new operator for the Lido is ongoing and has been overseen independently – from the outset, it has been the government’s aim to work with a community-focused organisation to agree a new approach that will increase investment in the Lido and create new opportunities for improvements users will enjoy.
“Two groups submitted acceptable bids and, in July, Love Our Lido was confirmed as the preferred applicant having indicated that they could meet the published terms for a lease.
“In the months since, despite positive discussions, unfortunately Love Our Lido were not able to meet the terms included in their bid, and from 30 September they ceased to be the preferred bidder.
“Discussions are now continuing with the second applicant.”
Ministers were committed, Mr Crowcroft said, to maintaining “full public access to the Lido and supporting its future as a thriving community asset”.
He added: “The Lido is a much-loved community facility, and Islanders should be assured that it will always remain open to the public – that includes full access to the pool, changing rooms and toilets.”
BeServed Group, the existing tenant operating the Lido’s café and adjacent hospitality venue, is currently operating on a lease running until the end of December.
