Community Hub Plan for Les Creux Pavilion Could Open Within Weeks

The woman behind the successful bid to take over Les Creux Pavilion says the site could begin hosting local groups within two months.

Jennifer Heald, whose proposal for the Les Creux Community Hub and Nursery was recently named preferred bidder, said she wants the site in St Brelade to become a “true community hub” focused on sport, activities and childcare.

She said creating family-friendly facilities in the west of the island was “absolutely essential” and confirmed plans to set up a community forum so residents can help shape the venue’s future.

Earlier this week, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan announced the bid as the preferred option, saying he was encouraged by its potential to become a focal point for community engagement. The decision follows the withdrawal of a previous successful bid from the Jersey Community Land Trust.

Heald said her priority was to maximise both community involvement and usage of the site. She hopes to introduce a wide range of community sports, with an emphasis on participation rather than competition.

Plans include converting the far bowling green into a flexible space that can be used by multiple groups during the first year. The aim, she said, is to see which activities prove most popular before developing the long-term sports offering.

The proposal also includes opening a nursery, which Heald believes will help address a shortage of childcare in the west of the island. She said supporting young families was vital to Jersey’s future, both to encourage residents to stay and to attract newcomers.

“It’s really important to Jersey that we have young families stay on the island and, hopefully, attract more to help strengthen the economy,” she said.

Heald also confirmed that residents would be invited to submit ideas through a dedicated forum once the project moves forward.

If the handover proceeds as planned, she said the pavilion could begin hosting initial activities within eight to 12 weeks.