A RALLYING cry to help a “hugely popular” Thai restaurant reopen following electrical damage to the property has been issued by the Gorey Boat Owners Association.
Tuk Tuk Thai has confirmed that it will be closed for the foreseeable future due to an electrical issues.
Speaking to the JEP, owner Theo Wansaram explained that water had leaked in and damaged the main fuse board in February.
He said he had been informed by Ports of Jersey that the problem could cost more than £100,000 to resolve.
Harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler has stated that the building Tuk Tuk Thai operated from is “an older structure that was not designed for long-term hospitality use”.
He said that, while “some improvements” could be made, more extensive works would require “significant investment” and “would not fully resolve the wider issues with the building”, including water ingress.
“As part of its wider responsibilities, Ports of Jersey must carefully consider investment decisions to ensure they are proportionate, represent value for the community and support the long-term future of the harbour,” Captain Sadler continued.
“In this case, the level of investment required would need to be balanced against other priorities and improvements across the wider harbour estate. “
Mr Wansaram described the closure as “really sad”.
“The day that you know that you have got to close you are like ‘wow, really?’ You do not expect that.”
But he also said he still had hope Ports would be able to help, potentially by finding an alternative location within its portfolio that the restaurant could operate from.
Captain Sadler said that Ports recognised “the important role independent businesses like Tuk Tuk play in adding vibrancy and atmosphere to Gorey Harbour” and was “committed to continuing to work positively with the business to review future opportunities at Gorey”.
He also said that “alternative options” were being explored, such as “a high-quality pop-up style food offering with al fresco seating”.
“This could work well by enhancing the area’s appeal, supporting wider visitor enjoyment, and improving the overall experience for harbour users.
“At the same time, Ports of Jersey continues to invest in the harbour, including the planned landing stage improvements and the recruitment of a seasonal harbourmaster to support visiting boats and harbour users during the summer season.”
Barry Faudemer, who chairs the GBOA – which has previously raised concerns that Gorey Harbour is suffering a “managed decline” – said Tuk Tuk Thai was “hugely popular amongst residents and visitors alike”.
He explained that he was emailing the Association’s members to see if anyone could help, such as through the provision of a generator or a mobile unit that would enable Tuk Tuk Thai to keep operating.
Mr Faudemer also said that, while he understood Ports had to operate within budgetary constraints, “we are coming back to the same problem of a derelict Gorey Pier”.
However, he described the new seasonal harbourmaster position as a “positive first step” in improving how the area is looked after.
