Major gym refurb at under review leisure centre

The States of Guernsey is currently conducting a review of Beau Sejour Leisure Centre

A decision to carry out a £41,000 gym refurbishment at a leisure centre under review has been defended.

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, president of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said the work at Beau Sejour, Amherst, St Peter Port, would ensure users get what they expect.

The States of Guernsey announced last year the site would undergo a review into how it is operated to maximise its future financial stability and value for money.

While the review is not due to be published until next year, Ms Dudley-Owen said going ahead with the gym upgrade was a "sensible" move.

Refurbishment work at the gym - which has a monthly footfall of about 8,000 people - is set to be completed by 6 July, Beau Sejour managers said.

The work will include the floor being replaced, repainting, new lights and some new equipment being brought in.

'Cost-effective'

Ms Dudley-Owen said it was "absolutely right" for the States to review the facilities it had for the community, such as Beau Sejour - which first opened in 1976.

She added it was also important in her opinion to keep the facilities up-to-date where appropriate, even with a review ongoing.

"It might not be cost-effective if we delayed any improvements we knew were in the pipeline and we knew were needed," Ms Dudley-Owen said.

"Then if the recommendation says something different, we actually may be playing catch-up and having to pay more for scheduled refurbishments and maintenance than we would have liked to."

Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen said it was sensible to upgrade Beau Sejour's gym while a review was taking place

The review into Beau Sejour was announced in November last year and is being conducted by the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture.

Currently the centre receives a grant from Channel Island Lottery funds to largely make up for any funding shortfalls.

The States said the review would attempt to develop an understanding of the benefits the site has for the community and its economic value.

It said the review would also look at "whether an acceptable community contribution can be maintained with a reduced [or no] subsidy".