Lido Operator Plans to Suspend Trading in December

The firm responsible for running Jersey’s 130-year-old lido has announced it will suspend trading in December, citing uncertainty surrounding the site’s future management.

The decision comes after the recently appointed operator for the St Helier facility became the subject of a formal review, leaving the current operator, The Lido (Havre des Pas) Ltd, unsure of its position.

In a statement, the company said it would be left with “no practical choice” but to halt operations from 6 December, pointing to the “challenging” circumstances created by the ongoing scrutiny of the tender process.

Despite the difficulties, the company stressed that securing clarity over the long-term future of the lido—and its importance to the wider community—remains its priority.

Earlier in November, Jersey’s infrastructure minister ordered a reassessment of the tender process following public concern over how the new operator had been chosen.

The government had sought bids last year for a new nine-year lease, encouraging applicants to propose ways to broaden community use of the facility, particularly for sports and youth-focused activities. First Point was ultimately selected to take over management from next year.

However, the Council of Ministers has warned that reopening the process risks “delay and stagnation.”

The Lido (Havre des Pas) Ltd said it remains committed to supporting its staff during the pause, adding that it hopes the review can be completed “without speculation or external influence.”