Deputy Lyndon Farnham has lodged a proposition to The States to approve the acquisition of the land and property of the former Seaside Café at Grève De Lecq.
The acquisition would be for the sum of £3,600,000 and to agree that, following the acquisition of the land, it should be gifted to the National Trust for Jersey subject to a condition that the National Trust for Jersey utilise the land for environmental, cultural, and social benefit to the public.
The Trust has a strategic objective to protect and preserve Jersey’s coastline and provide access to the public and launched its Coastline Campaign in March 2006 to bring this into effect Coastline Campaign – National Trust for Jersey
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.
The Trust has landholdings in the Bay which include Le Catel Fort and Grève de Lecq Barracks and feels that 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.
Charles Alluto, Chief Executive of the Trust stated that: “the Trust feels honoured to potentially be gifted the site and that, should the States pass the proposition, it would be its intention to go out to public consultation regarding future uses for the site. 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”.
Pictured: One of the potential options for the site, as designed by Socrates Architects.
