Calls for Clarity on Seafront Lido Spending

Jersey Ministers Urged to Reveal Full Costs of Seafront Lido Repairs

Pressure is mounting on Jersey's government to provide greater transparency over spending on the maintenance of the Havre des Pas Lido in St Helier.

Deputy David Warr has called for clearer details on how public funds are being used, expressing concerns that the total cost of repairs and upkeep — now expected to exceed £500,000 — has become increasingly difficult to track.

“It’s getting very hard to follow exactly where the money is going,” Mr. Warr said. “In the private sector, you’d have a fixed contract and a clear price. Why should the States and Jersey Property Holdings operate any differently? They should absolutely be held accountable and far more transparent. If they were, I wouldn’t need to keep asking these questions.”

Responding to the concerns, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan defended the government's handling of the project, insisting that efforts are being made to provide clear updates while essential work on the historic seafront pool continues.

“We are doing our level best,” Mr Jehan said. “Every question we’ve received has been answered as clearly as possible. There’s a lot happening at the lido, and we’ve been upfront about the figures.”

During a recent States sitting, it was confirmed that £495,102 has already been allocated in capital spending for the site, with an additional £76,534 still to be spent.

Meanwhile, the government is in the process of finding a new operator for the lido. Several expressions of interest have been received, with a selection panel due to review applications in April. The successful bidder will be awarded a nine-year lease to run the pool and its facilities.