Update on lease for use of Les Creux Pavilion

2026.03.24

3.11   Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the future use

of Les Creux Pavilion (OQ.43/2026):

Again, about Les Creux. Further to Oral Question 8/2026 and Oral Question 29/2026, will the Minister provide an update on discussions towards the agreement of a lease for the future use of Les Creux Pavilion?

Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure):

I am pleased to confirm that the Les Creux Community Hub and Nursery have been selected as the preferred bidder, and I have asked that discussions commence for the agreement of a lease. I have also agreed they can begin engagement and consultation with the community to ensure that their proposed operation at Les Creux maximises community involvement. It is important to be clear, however, that their bid remains subject not only to the agreement of a lease with the public, but also to agreement in respect of the change of use permissions that will be required as part of their proposal. I am, however, encouraged by the excellent potential for this organisation as preferred bidder to ensure Les Creux becomes a focal point for the community engagement, particularly in St. Brelade .

1. Deputy J. Renouf :

Can I wholeheartedly welcome that announcement from the Minister and thank him for it? We will soon be entering a period of non-political activity, where these things could easily get kicked into the long grass. Can he provide any reassurance to parishioners, and indeed Islanders with an interest in this progressing, about what instructions he will be giving to officers to help solve problems that might arise over the next few weeks and months, prior to the establishment of a new Government?

The Connétable of St. John :

I am very aware of the timing and I, like the representatives of St. Brelade , have been keen to see this result, but we have a number of challenges. The department are working closely with the landowner, with the preferred bidder, and I hope that we are going to be able to conclude positively and also that the dialogue with the community, including the Parish, will also be productive.

2. Deputy H.M. Miles of St. Brelade :

I too, as representative of St. Brelade , welcome the announcement by the Minister for Infrastructure. Could the Minister please clarify who is going to be responsible for the change of use planning application? Will it be the owner, as in Jersey Property Holdings, or will it be the preferred bidder?

The Connétable of St. John :

Jersey Property Holdings are the leaseholder, not the owner of the land and building. So, Jersey Property Holdings are in discussions with the landowner. It will be Jersey Property Holdings that would put in any application.

3. Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :

Can I just ask one question, is it a nursery for plants or is it a nursery for children? The Connétable of St. John :

It is for growing little people.

The Deputy Bailiff :

Any supplementary?

Deputy A. Howell :

No, I am very grateful for the clarification.

4. Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade :

I am grateful to hear the news that the Minister has just announced regarding the direction of travel. I would just like to understand what the timeline might be, picking up Deputy Renouf 's point as to when we might see some action or a planning application, should that be needed.

The Connétable of St. John :

The timeline is really dependent on the landowner. I think I mentioned in the last Assembly that they have been on a lengthy vacation. The dialogue, I understand, is underway. We are hopeful that this will become, again, a great community asset for all the community and people like myself, who walk my dog at Les Creux from time to time, hopefully I will be able to have a cup of tea when I get back from my dog walk.

5. Deputy J. Renouf :

I wonder if the Minister could clarify whether that planning application is something that he anticipates to happen, which could happen, during the period of political non-activity, or will it require further Ministerial intervention? In other words, is there a possibility that this thing could be stopped in its tracks before it really gets going?

The Connétable of St. John :

I am hopeful that the planning application will be going in very shortly. I think we understand what is required, and I am hopeful that that will happen. Clearly, when anything is subject to planning applications, then there is always the chance that that will get stopped. Not everybody agrees with applications. I should also place on record my thanks to the team at Jersey Property Holdings. They often get a lot of criticism. They are hardworking, dedicated individuals, who do their very best with limited resources, and I have been pleased to work with them.

The Deputy Bailiff :

That brings the period for oral questions with notice to an end. The Connétable of St. Brelade :

Sir, if I may, before we proceed, just ask that the défaut that was previously addressed for the Connétable of St. Mary be changed, if possible. I have just picked up a message he sent last night saying that he was on States business with B.I.P.A. (British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly) in Tralee, County Kerry, and, assuming his flight will not be delayed, will be back tomorrow. Could he be marked down as excusé at this stage?

The Deputy Bailiff :

Are Members content to mark the Connétable of St. Mary défaut excusé? Then the Connétable is marked défaut excusé.

Deputy L.J. Farnham :

Sir, did I miss something, are we allowing only an hour for oral questions? The Deputy Bailiff :

No, Chief Minister. That is the end of the list of oral questions with notice, so we are moving to questions without notice.

Deputy L.J. Farnham :

Sorry, I thought you said we had timed out, Sir?

The Deputy Bailiff :

No, Chief Minister.

Deputy L.J. Farnham :

Time goes so quickly when you are enjoying yourself. The Deputy Bailiff :

You will have your usual period of questions without notice, Chief Minister. In that case, we move to questions without notice. The first question period is for the Minister for Children and Families.