'We will make the lido a resort like Benidorm'

First Point has been chosen to run Havre des Pas Bathing Pool

The new operator of the Havre De Pas Lido has said he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area "a resort like Benidorm."

First Point was appointed as the new operator by Jersey's infrastructure minister after "a thorough and competitive selection process".

It will take on the lease for nine years from 2026.

Constable Marcus Troy, a States politician and senior partner at First Point, said he wanted to "create more activities on the beach and in the lido itself" as part of his vision.

Troy explained why he thought making the lido and surrounding area a "resort area like Benidorm" would help the place thrive.

He said: "So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it's a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.

"We aren't the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general - whatever it is - volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool."

Constable Marcus Troy said he wants lido and surrounding area to become a resort like Benidorm

There has been some public frustration over the choice of operator, including the Love Our Lido group not winning the lease.

Deputy David Warr, who has supported Love Our Lido, has launched a proposition which will be debated by the States Assembly in November.

His proposition calls for all "negotiations and associated tender processes relating to the management, occupation or letting of the Havre des Pas Bathing Pool" to be terminated.

It also called on politicians to back plans to "arrange for the transfer of management and maintenance for the Havre des Pas Bathing Pool site to the future charitable body Love Our Lido".

Troy described the proposition as a "delay tactic".

He acknowledged the public frustration, but added he was passionate about the future of the pool.

Troy said: "I swam here as a teenager.

"I don't want anything to happen to the lido. I don't want it to deteriorate and I think we've got things to do.

"We want to teach more children to swim, we want to teach more children to cook, we have kitchens and I think this place will thrive under us."