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A planned new outdoor lido at the Waterfront will have a temporary cover over it for up to three years while a permanent 25m pool is built on the current Aquasplash site, a planning inquiry has heard.
The plan is part of a major redevelopment of a 30-acre site between Castle Street and West Park proposed by the Government-owned Jersey Development Company, which is currently being reviewed by an independent planning inspector.
On Wednesday, members of the Youth Parliament spoke at the public inquiry to express their views on the major scheme, which includes building nearly 1,000 flats.
Each of the three young parliamentarians said they were concerned about the loss of places for children to meet, including the cinema and existing pool.
In response, JDC Lee Henry reiterated a pledge not to close either until adequate alternatives were up and running.
WATCH: Members of the Youth Parliament address the planning inquiry.
He added that a lido planned for the landside edge of an enlarged Jardins de la Mer would be enclosed for swimmers for two-and-a-half to three years while the existing gym and pool were demolished and rebuilt.
Mr Henry also gave more details about the proposed permanent leisure centre: that discussions with the Government were ongoing but the new 25m pool could have eight lanes rather than its current six, making it eligible for competitions.
He said that its shallow end might also be moveable, allowing it to be lowered for water-polo matches.
And there could also be a separate teaching pool.
Pictured: The inquiry heard details about the proposed new lido.
Mr Henry said that it was unlikely a replacement cinema - which he said could be at Fort Regent - would be a 10-screen multiplex, as it is now. This is because there was no longer a demand for so many auditoriums.
As well as share their concerns about amenities, the children also said they were against flats being built on the Waterfront.
“Soon this island will be a whole island of apartments – no fields, just apartments,” one contributor told the inquiry.
“We do not need more flats – we need more homes for families.”
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