An amendment aimed at pausing political intervention in the Havre des Pas bathing pool saga until after an independent review is completed has been lodged by the Infrastructure Minister.
Constable Andy Jehan is aiming to reshape Deputy David Warr’s original proposal about the future management of the Havre des Pas bathing pool and café.
The review was initiated by the Infrastructure Minister last week following a meeting with the Love Our Lido community group, which had its preferred bidder status revoked when negotiations with the Government broke down.
The contract was then awarded to rival bidder First Point.
It was yesterday confirmed that an independent review of the tender process was under way and being led by long-standing Jurat Anthony Olsen.
A proposition from Deputy David Warr calling for the Government to reverse the decision to remove preferred bidder status from Love Our Lido is due to be debated in the States Assembly next week.
But the Infrastructure Minister has lodged an amendment to that proposition which asks the States Assembly not to halt the current process, but keep all outcomes on the table pending the results of the independent review.
“The amendment accounts for all potential eventualities that may result from the independent review,” said Constable Jehan.
Based on the review’s findings, the Government would then either confirm a lease as originally proposed, seek vacant possession of the site while issues are resolved, or restart the tender process entirely.
The amendment also sets out rules for any future lease of the site – including an index-linked baseline contribution of at least £60,000 per annum to be provided by the Infrastructure Department.
“The amendment removes the arbitrary figure of £170,000 and provides flexibility for additional public funding to be agreed,” the Minister said.
It also clarifies the Government’s ownership responsibilities, and removes references tying the lease specifically to Love Our Lido.
Constable Jehan said it would be “inappropriate” for States Members to unilaterally award a lease to the community group.
“It could expose the public to an adverse costs order if that decision was successfully challenged by way of judicial review,” he added.
The Infrastructure Minister’s amendment also seeks to move the deadline forward to ensure the work is completed by 25 December 2025 – the date when the public will take vacant possession under the legal notice already served.
The Minister says this approach protects due process, avoids legal risk, and ensures the review is completed thoroughly and independently before any decisions are made.
He added: “It confirms the position of Ministers that Love Our Lido, whether they establish as a charity or continue as a community group, have a role to play in the future of the bathing pool irrespective of the outcome of this process.”
