ESC pressed on the future of Beau Sejour after its review

The study, which was revealed in September 2023, was initially expected to conclude in the middle of last year, but the timeline was extended when the scope of the work expanded.

Deputy Lester Queripel pressed Education, Sport & Culture for an update yesterday and asked when the review would be complete and published.

‘We committed that it would come to Policy & Resources before end of quarter one [2025]. I can’t give an exact date, but I hope it will be within the next couple of months,’ said ESC president Andrea Dudley-Owen.

The review was launched after mounting concerns about the centre’s losses, which have reached about £1m. a year, most of which are currently offset by funding from the Channel Islands Lottery which is soon expected to come to an end.

It is looking at various options for the centre’s future, including outsourcing, increasing use and income, and the appropriate level of subsidy from the public purse.

Deputy Dudley-Owen acknowledged that many people had ‘an emotional attachment’ to Beau Sejour and said it was ‘heartening’ to see the centre improving its expenditure recovery rate after being hit badly by the Covid pandemic.

‘There has been significant engagement with the community, including users of Beau Sejour’s various facilities, non-users and staff, all of which is contributing to the centre’s sustainability review which is nearing completion,’ she said.

‘The findings are soon to be seen by committee, but early feedback highlights that Beau Sejour continues to mean many things to many people and the need for us to take a long-term view when considering the options.

‘Whatever direction the review takes us in, the reality remains that the island’s core sport and leisure assets are in need of investment. Beau Sejour is approaching its 50th birthday next year and the Footes Lane grandstand is approaching 25 years old.

‘We must question how much social value these facilities provide the community, whether can we afford to invest or, perhaps more importantly, whether we can afford not to?’

Deputy John Gollop said that the canteen at Beau Sejour was sometimes understaffed, and wanted to know if the review was looking at whether catering facilities should be operated by the centre itself or outsourced.

‘I absolutely agree that the closure of the cafe at some times is an important loss of finance but also a loss of opportunity for social interaction,’ said Deputy Dudley-Owen.

‘It does form part of the review and I look forward to seeing that review in order that we can see where those opportunities might be maximised.’

Deputy Yvonne Burford raised concerns about the centre advertising cars in its foyer, and wanted to know how much that raised for the centre.

Deputy Dudley-Owen said she did not know, but while she understood concerns, it was an important income stream for the centre.

‘The review might highlight some areas where things might change,’ she said.