National Trust could be given former Jersey cafe site

The former Cafe Romany site could be gifted to the National Trust

A proposal has been made to give a Jersey cafe site to the National Trust if the States Assembly agrees to buy the land with public money.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham lodged a proposal for the derelict Cafe Romany site and surrounding land in Grève De Lecq to be bought for £3.6m.

It would then be gifted to the National Trust for Jersey (NTJ).

Bosses at the National Trust said it would be an "honour" to be given the site.

The suggestion from Mr Farnham added the provision that NTJ uses the land, which includes a car park, for "environmental, cultural and social benefit to the public".

The NTJ already manages other properties in the Bay area including Le Catel Fort and Grève de Lecq Barracks.

It said acquiring the site would "further protect the natural beauty and rich heritage of the bay" and restore public access to the beach.

Public consultation

The NTJ added that should the plans go through, it would speak to the public about the site's future use.

Charles Alluto, Chief Executive of NTJ said: "It is absolutely crucial that given the level of public investment, the public should have a say as to they would like the site to develop in future with options such as complete clearance to a refurbished cafe and interpretation centre."

Socrates Architects have been commissioned by NTJ to develop potential options for the site.

The company has released artist's impressions of what the site could look like in the future.

National Trust for Jersey said it would be an honour to have the site

The public are due to be consulted on the site's future

The site is currently derelict and shut off to the public.

It was sold by the Lewis family in 2020 and in January 2022, the new owners obtained planning permission to demolish the existing site and replace it with a four-bedroom home and 100-seat restaurant.

Politicians are expected to debate the idea on 6 February.

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