States asked to buy part of "iconic" Grève de Lecq site for £3.6m

Monday 15 January 2024

A politician has negotiated the purchase of the former Seaside Café and carpark site at Grève de Lecq for £3.6m, subject to politicians giving their approval.

If successful, Deputy Lyndon Farnham's will also ask that the land is then gifted to the National Trust for Jersey, with the condition that is used "for environmental, cultural and social benefit to the public".

The future of the site, including its car park, became a point of discussion after it was sold by the Lewis family in 2020 and later fenced off.

Last year, a successful proposition from Deputy Farnham requested that Treasury Minister Ian Gorst – in consultation with former Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet – negotiate on behalf of the States to purchase it “for a use that will be of benefit to the public”.

At the time, the site was on the market for £5m undeveloped or £11m with a four-bedroom house and 100-seat café built on it, a project for which planning permission has been granted.

Deputy Farnham has negotiated a price of 3.6m with the site's owners.

Writing in the report accompanying the proposition, Deputy Farnham said that the government had been "unable" to reach an agreement to purchase the site for the public.

He explained that he had "subsequently negotiated with the owner’s agents", who have accepted the agreed price of £3.6m in writing - subject to the States Assembly giving its approval.

"In line with the Act of the States of 19th July 2023 to ensure the use of said property will be of environmental, cultural and social benefit to the public, including the option of working with partner organisations, this proposition also proposes to gift the property and adjacent land to the National Trust for Jersey (NTJ) with the condition that it is used for environmental, cultural and social benefit to the public," Deputy Farnham wrote.

The report also lists potential options for improving the site, including land restoration, refurbishment work and landscaping.

Pictured: What the site could look like if it is purchased for the public (National Trust Jersey/Socrates Architects)

In a statement, the National Trust for Jersey said: "Through the generosity and support of islanders and from staging events including the annual Sunset Concerts at Mont Grantez, the Trust has managed to save Plémont, restore Devil’s Hole, and acquire several additional, undeveloped sites.

"The acquisition of Grève de Lecq would meet this long-term vision of having a coastline protected forever and for everyone."

It pointed out that the Trust has landholdings in the Bay, which include Le Catel Fort and Grève de Lecq Barracks, and that the "acquisition of the site would further protect the natural beauty and rich heritage of the bay".

"Restoring public access to the beach and re-opening the car park would be a priority," it added.

National Trust for Jersey chief executive Charles Alluto said: “We feel honoured to potentially be gifted the site and, should the States pass the proposition, it would be our intention to go out to public consultation regarding future uses for the site.”

He added: “We feel it is absolutely crucial that given the level of public investment, the public should have a say as to how they would like the site to develop in future, with options such as complete clearance to a refurbished café and interpretation centre.”

The proposition is due to be debated on 6 February.