“Careful consideration” needs to be given as to whether the restoration of the Victoria Marine Lake would be an effective use of public money, the Infrastructure Minister has said in response to a petition to repair the enclosed bathing pool.
But Constable Andy Jehan added that he “remains open to discussions” and “would welcome any new interest from external parties who may wish to operate or provide co-investment in the Marine Lake”.
The petition, which has garnered over 1,400 signatures so far, was lodged by Save Our Pool founder Nina Zaech.
Its ambitions have been supported by St Helier Deputy Inna Gardiner, who said the bathing pool should be saved due to its “significant historical and cultural importance” to the island.
As the petition surpassed 1,000 signatures, Ministers were obliged to response.
A statement detailed how the 128-year-old St Aubin’s Bay pool had seen a £315,000 investment in 2014, and had not been fully operational for several decades.
Although agreeing with the petition’s sentiment, Ministers said that considering the lack of success following the 2014 repairs, “the risk and probable likelihood that the same issues that resulted in low use of the Marine Lake would arise again”.
They added that a “major issue” at the pool a decade ago was the existence of sea lettuce, and “this is a factor that remains present in St Aubin’s Bay today”.
The response then paid attention to the “significant investments” it has made to the Havre des Pas Lido, “which is a short distance from West Park”. Ministers also referenced plans for a 50-metre outdoor pool on the Waterfront.
The statement revealed that a commitment has been made to make the pool safe in the “short-term”, and enquiries have been made as to the potential to lower the wall in the areas where it is damaged – although “initial discussions have indicated, however, that any such work would be of a similar cost to a full renovation”.
“The Marine Lake is a historic site, but it is questionable as to whether there is sufficient demand in 2025 that would justify the hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money that would be needed to restore and maintain it on an ongoing basis,” the statement added.
Constable Jehan will attend a public meeting about the Victoria Marine Lake at the Old Magistrate’s Court in the Town Hall on Friday 5 September.
You can read the response in full here.