Sea Pool Preservation Petition Surpasses 1,000 Signatures
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Jul 14
- 1 min read
Petition to Restore Historic Victoria Marine Lake Hits 1,000 Signatures, Prompting Government Response
A public petition calling for the restoration of the 128-year-old Victoria Marine Lake in St Helier has reached over 1,000 signatures, triggering an official response from Jersey's government.
Built in 1897, the sea pool is one of the largest of its kind in the British Isles. However, it has remained out of use since 2023 due to its sluice gates being left open. Campaigners, including members of the newly formed Save Our Pool Working Group, are urging authorities to act swiftly to bring the pool back to life.
Petition organiser Nina Zaech described the lake as a "vital piece of Jersey's heritage" with the potential to support community health, leisure activities, and tourism.
A 2024 inspection concluded that the pool requires "comprehensive work" to be made functional again. However, last month, Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan said the repairs would be "uneconomical," citing planned sea defence upgrades along the St Helier waterfront. He also noted that £356,000 had already been spent maintaining the nearby Havre des Pas bathing pool.
With the petition crossing the threshold, island officials are now expected to formally address the future of the historic site.
