Facelift for West Park's Victorian swimming pool

Monday 03 February 2014

A neglected relic from the heyday of the Island’s tourism industry could be restored to its former glory by the summer.

Tenders will soon be invited for the £315,000 restoration of the West Park beach pool - the Victoria Marine Lake - built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The money has come from the Parish of St Helier, Tourism Development Fund, Jersey Development Company and donations.

St Helier’s Director of Technical and Environmental Services John Stievenard said the contract for the work was being drawn up and would be put out for tender in February.

"They will maintain a sector of the pool for swimmers as that is one of the main objectives, even when clubs are operating," he said.

If all goes to plan, work will begin in April so the pool can reopen in early July. It will be run by the Bosdet Foundation who will oversee bookings by clubs and water sports groups. However, Mr Stievenard added, swimmers will always be welcome.

The Parish of St Helier has recently acquired the use of the German bunker at West Park from the States, to be used as a club house and equipment store.

The pool covers 13 vergées and when full holds more than six million gallons of seawater. When first opened it was the largest of its kind in the British Isles.