Minister casts doubt on benefits of restoring sea pool

Future of Historic Victoria Marine Lake Hangs in the Balance

The fate of Jersey’s 128-year-old Victoria Marine Lake is still unclear following a government response to a petition urging its revival.

The campaign, which gathered more than 1,400 signatures, called for the restoration and upkeep of the sea pool. But Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet said the site had been out of full use for decades and previous attempts to bring it back to life had struggled.

A major refurbishment in 2014, costing £315,000, was hampered by recurring sea lettuce blooms in St Aubin’s Bay, which discouraged regular swimmers.

While Mr Binet recognised the lake’s heritage value, he questioned whether there was enough appetite from islanders to warrant the significant spending needed to restore and maintain it.

The government is instead prioritising other swimming facilities, such as the Havre des Pas Lido and a proposed 50-metre outdoor pool at the Waterfront.

In the meantime, officials are looking at smaller safety upgrades for the Victoria Marine Lake, including repairs to damaged sections of the wall.

The minister also expressed openness to approaches from private investors or groups interested in taking on the site.

A public meeting on the lake’s future will take place at the Old Magistrate’s Court in the Town Hall on 5 September.