The new operators of the Havre des Pas Lido have revealed plans for a live webcam to allow swimmers to keep an eye on the tide, and an agreement to host the Portuguese Spring Festival this year.
Speaking to Express at a Havre des Pas Improvement Group meeting yesterday, business owner Marcus Troy said his team was in “close cahoots” with Jersey’s swimming community.
He added that he hoped the Lido and the surrounding businesses would become more like a resort, citing Brighton as a model.
Jason Maindonald, one of three owners of the Lido Jersey, revealed that the Havre des Pas venue will host the Portuguese Spring Festival this year.
It comes after the collapse of SGB Hire Channel Island last month, which left the festival organisers without equipment to kit out their usual home at Jardins de la Mer.
Mr Maindonald said the festival will be held from 1 to 4 May this year at the Lido facility rather than on the beach.
The Portuguese Spring Festival traditionally features food and drinks from local restaurants and often sees musicians travel to the island to perform.
Mr Maindonald told Havre des Pas residents last night that, despite a delayed move-in to the Lido – having expected to take over the site before the winter – the interior had been fully redecorated and a new kitchen installed.
Other work done ahead of reopening included powerwashing the boardwalk, installing new bins, emptying the pool, and cleaning algae.
Mr Maindonald said: “We’re also putting a webcam up so people can watch the tide coming in and out – that has been ordered, it didn’t come down with the other cameras.
“As soon as that’s up and running, I’m sure Debbie [Maindonald] will put it on Facebook and Instagram.”
He added that a new camera system, which is already in place, allowed the owners to keep tabs on potential anti-social behaviour.
The Lido’s new operator, First Point, is run by St Clement Constable Marcus Troy and Jason and Debbie Maindonald.
After a contentious tender process, First Point was given the Lido lease over a community group led by members of the swimming community.
The new arrangement means the company is responsible for maintaining the whole site – taking over the task of cleaning, painting and emptying the sea-swimming pools from Jersey Property Holdings.
Constable Troy said relations between First Point and swimmers had improved since the winter, with swimmers given plenty of space to “camp with their stuff”.
There were hopes to install lockers, bike racks and bins for them, he added.
“We’re not interested in what’s going on previously,” said Constable Troy. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that everybody’s involved, so we are in close cahoots with the swimmers.”
