THE business operating out of the Lido is set to pause operations next month amid the continued uncertainty over the future of the site.
The Lido Ltd, the business who handled the café and some of the facilities at the Havre des Pas bathing pools, announced that they would “pause trading” because of “the current circumstances and the uncertain position we have been placed in”.
The firm, which is part of Marcus and Ana Calvani’s BeServed Group, face being told to leave at the end of December after the government selected a new operator – First Point – to take over the lease.
This was after it was announced that community group Love Our Lido had lost its “preferred bidder” status following a break-down in communications.
The news sparked outrage from those involved with Love Our Lido and St Helier South Deputy David Warr lodged a proposition calling for the tender to be blocked, management and maintenance of the bathing pool to be transferred to Love Our Lido and an annual baseline government contribution of £170,000 from the government. The States Assembly is due to debate the proposals once an independent review, led by Jurat Anthony Olsen, is completed.
The Lido Ltd said their “absolute priority” was their staff, who would continue to be employed and be supported as the Lido closes.
They added: “While the continued delay is deeply challenging for the business, the outcome for the long-term future of the site and the community is critical.
“We therefore believe it is important for the review to conclude without speculation or external pressure.”
