West Park sea pool repairs
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2025.06.24
3.3 Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the future of West Park sea pool and public engagement on the waterfront development (OQ.145/2025):
Further to his response to Written Question 268/2025 regarding the upkeep of the West Park sea pool, in which he confirmed that no remedial works had been undertaken, will the Minister advise what public engagement, if any, has taken place regarding the future of this amenity and whether he has undertaken any assessment of the impact of the proposed Waterfront facilities on the use of the pool?
Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure):
I thank the Deputy for her question. In terms of public engagement, I understand the Deputy hosted a public meeting to discuss this amenity. 2,190 responses were received to the waterfront public survey, which was undertaken in November last year. Just 9 responses made any reference to the Victorian Marine Lake and is not included in the plans put forward by the Jersey Development Company for the waterfront. The proposed 50 metre outdoor pool on the waterfront is not comparable with the Victoria Marine Lake and therefore no assessment has been made on any impact. We should keep in mind that the pool, while I am sure it will stay, has been largely non-operational for decades, save for a few years from 2014. £315,000 was spent then, and more would be required now. We do need to make the pool safe in the short term, but we need to think very carefully as to whether it is needed for the future than spending more money to repair it represents value for the taxpayer.
- Deputy I. Gardiner :
Thank you, Minister, for the response. The number of 200-plus who responded to the pool; it is an interesting one. Given the pool's historic significance and long-standing use by the sea swimmers' group, does the Minister agree that its loss would diminish cultural heritage and recreational benefit in the Island's capital where more than 30 per cent of the population live?
The Connétable of St. John :
The Deputy will be aware of the significant investment just around the coast in St. Helier that we have made at Havre des Pas, and we continue to make. The tide comes up twice a day and therefore makes the swimming pool not necessary. We have to be careful what we spend. We also have to make sure that the facility is safe and that is my commitment.
- Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :
The facility in question is one of the more accessible beaches for families living in St. Helier and St. Saviour , and particularly for low-income families who may only be able to walk or get a bus. What assessment has been done of the impact on those families?
The Connétable of St. John :
No specific assessment has been done but at its deepest point the pool is currently 10 foot, and I think that is possibly too deep for some young children. The plan is, where the wall is damaged, to lower the wall so that we still have water retained there but not as much.
- Deputy I. Gardiner :
Would the Minister engage with the West Park Victoria Marine Lake users and update what possible refurbishment can be made?
The Connétable of St. John :
I am more than happy to make that commitment.