The government has finally taken the plunge and taken control of AquaSplash after years of mounting losses meant taxpayers were expected to cover more than £1 million this year just to keep the pool afloat.
The move to make AquaSplash part of Active marks the end of Serco’s 25-year tenure operating the facility and follows mounting concern over the pool’s spiralling deficit, which is currently being covered by the public purse under the terms of a long-standing agreement.
The scale of the subsidy prompted has over the years prompted strong political criticism, with one member of the Public Accounts Committee – the panel of politicians which scrutinises how Islanders’ money is spent – describing the situation as “completely bonkers” and calling for greater accountability.
It’s hoped that the new arrangement with Active, which already runs three pools, will allow government to take more direct control of costs.
How much did taxpayers shell out?
Under the 20-year contract signed in 2001, the Government is responsible for covering any financial losses incurred by Serco.
Between 2010 and 2021, £5.6million was paid to Serco to operate AquaSplash – an average of £467,000 per year. But losses have climbed sharply in recent years.
Serco recorded an operating deficit of £450,000 in 2023, which rose to £650,000 last year, and was expected to reach £750,000 in 2025 – with the government’s annual report and accounts showing that taxpayers were projected to contribute around £1.2million this year alone.
After the predicted 2025 costs came to light, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said that a review would be undertaken “to understand the reasons behind these increasing costs” and that a “clear action plan” would be developed to reduce the deficit.
Today, the Constable said the move under the Active banner – due to take effect in October 2026 – would “deliver better value for taxpayers and ensure that the AquaSplash can continue to operate as normal and serve the public”.
“We know this news may be worrying for AquaSplash staff”
He added: “We know this news may be worrying for AquaSplash staff, and we want to reassure them that we’re committed to supporting them where we can. We’ll work closely with Serco Jersey Limited as we look for opportunities for staff who wish to join the Government of Jersey team.”
Serco said it was “disappointed to be leaving AquaSplash after almost 25 successful years in Jersey,” but “fully understand[s] the need for the Government of Jersey to deliver operational efficiencies in its leisure facilities.”
It added that it would continue to work with the Government to ensure “a smooth transition” over the next 12 months.
