THE future of the 129-year-old Victoria Marine Lake remains undecided after an incident earlier this year that saw a child swept through a hole in the seawall.
Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf has provided an update on plans for structure, which has been at the centre of community campaign to restore and reopen it for public use.
In June, Islanders were urged not to swim in, enter, or walk around the Victoria Marine Lake after a child suffered minor injuries after being dragged through a gap in the wall by the tide.
The following month, Deputy Renouf told States Members that he did not know “when, how, or if” the West Park facility would be restored to safe public use.
Responding to questions from the JEP, the minister said this week that “the safety of Islanders remains our absolute priority”.
He continued: “Following the serious incident at the Marine Lake, we acted immediately to refresh and strengthen the safety signage around the site, including the installation of additional warnings clearly stating that there must be no swimming in, or walking around, the lake structure.
“These measures are intended to draw attention to the significant dangers associated with entering the water or accessing the structure.”
The minister said that he was “continuing to assess the future of the Marine Lake” and that he had asked officers to consider proposals “for a range of potential options” with associated costs.
“These include filling the existing voids in the structure where the wall has been undermined, creating an opening in the tidal pool wall to protect the remaining wall, or carrying out a full repair of the walls and replacement of the sluice gates,” he explained.
“No decisions have been made at this stage.
“We are carefully reviewing the engineering, safety and financial implications of each option and will provide a further update once that work has been completed.”
In 2014, around £314,000 was spent on repair work as part of a bid to bring the Marine Lake back into full operation, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Last year, St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner – then a parish Deputy – sought £400,000 to repair the pool, and £60,000 per year to maintain the facility going forward, but this was rejected by politicians.
Reacting to the ministerial update, Mrs Gardiner said: “I welcome the minister’s confirmation that full restoration of Victoria Marine Lake remains on the table. That includes repairing the walls and replacing the sluice gates.
“Restoration is the outcome I want to see and I hope it will now be given real priority.”
She continued: “The current safety measures are necessary, especially after the frightening incident involving a child. Please do not swim in or walk around the Marine Lake while it remains unsafe.”
Mrs Gardiner noted that “signs, ropes and concrete blocks cannot be the long-term answer”.
“This conversation has gone on for years. There have been two petitions, public meetings and strong public support. Parishioners have been clear. They value the Marine Lake and want it restored, safe and open again,” she added.
“A restored marine pool would benefit St Helier residents, as well as visitors staying in town and around the Waterfront and marina.
“The next step is to bring the options and costs forward openly, followed by a clear decision and timetable. I look forward to working with the minister to bring this historic and much loved facility back into safe use for our community.”
