Work starts to make a big splash at West Park pool

Tuesday 08 April 2014

The outdoor pool at West Park will be restored to its former glory to create a first-class beach and water sports facility for Islanders and tourists.

The renovations costing £315,000 will be carried out by local construction company Rateavon Jersey Ltd and should be finished by July.

The pool - now re-named the West Park Victorian Marine Lake - was originally built to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and is one of the largest sea pools in the British Isles. The Bosdet Foundation will manage and run it for the next five years at a cost to the charity of £50,000 per year.

They plan to offer free swimming lessons in the pool for local children and other marine activities, and there are plans for a new beach concession next to the pool.

Money to fund the project has come from the parish, the States Development Company and a Tourism Development Fund grant. 

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said: “I am delighted that this project, which will bring West Park beach back to life and be of great benefit to the Island in general, and in particular the Parish of St Helier, has now moved forward to the point of contractors commencing work on site. The lake is an asset which will once again enjoyed by people of all ages.”

Chairman of the West park Marine Lake Trust Pierre Horsfall said: “I am really delighted that we have managed to get this project underway, I am convinced that it will be of great benefit to the community, especially as the new facility will enable those with disabilities to participate in water sports.”