The current tenants of the Lido cafe have been allowed to stay until the end of 2025. The announcement followed a demo outside Jersey's States Chamber.

The demonstration was organised by the Lido Steering Group, which is aiming to establish a registered charity 'Love the Lido' to take over the management and maintenance of the historic seaside site when it is put out to tender. 

The gathering at lunchtime on Wednesday (23 October) was to show support for Deputy David Warr's proposition to the States Assembly.

He was calling for the current tenants of the cafe at the bathing pool, Ana and Marcus Calvani of 'The Lido', to continue trading. Campaigners said otherwise jobs will be lost, facilities stripped out and the 'site left to rot'.

The government wanted to take vacant possession of the site at the end of this month for what it called a 'fresh start'.

Following the protest, Deputy Warr withdraw his proposal.

The government said a deal had been agreed, allowing the Calvanis to stay on until the end of 2025, subject to signing a formal contract and covering rent and a portion of utility bills..

The planned tender process for the future management of maintenance of the site will still go ahead.

Read: Minister looks for operator for Havre des Pas Lido

 Deputy David Warr addressed the crowd in the Royal Square

"I think you are being listened to, I think we are all being listened to, and I appreciate all the support you are giving me. But it's not just for me, its for the people of Jersey and we must not forget that.

"Thank you so much. I'm on your side."

Assistant Infrastructure Minister Constable Simon Crowcroft and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham had come out of the States Assembly during the lunch break to speak to demonstrators about their concerns. 

Attendees were heard saying to the politicians: "Are you going to listen to us?" "Have you got no common sense?" "The government say they are going to listen to us but they never do. I would appreciate some transparency."

One continued: "There's 170 lidos around the UK and they've got it right. They are run by charities and trusts and it works and its really what we should be doing here. It's David's idea and these people's concept and they're all willing to work at it and it could save the States money."

Another said: "We can take ideas from Guernsey then maybe we can be better than Guernsey. We deserve an opportunity to prove that we can do this."

Deputy Lyndon Farnham addressed the crowd:

"I can absolutely, categorically assure all of you that the government is behind saving the Lido. It is an important part of our heritage, we all grew up with it, I grew up with it and my father grew up with it.

"We are all committed to find the right future for the bathing pool. 

"I give you absolute assurance we will do our very best to make sure the lido is properly fit for purpose, receives the right amount of investment and can be back at the top of our agenda for public use."

In the statement issued later in the afternoon, Constable Crowcroft said 

"We have always recognised the significant community value of the Lido and we are committed to its future rejuvenation. The Government will continue with its planned maintenance works, which include vital improvements to the pool and surrounding facilities.

"We want to extend our gratitude to the public for their constructive engagement throughout this process. Together, we are finding a positive way forward for this cherished public landmark, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for generations to come."

Marcus Calvani expressed his gratitude for the show of support on The Lido's Facebook page;

"We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us through these horrendous times.

"Time now for you all to enjoy what The Lido has to offer, let’s get the community down there in mass, parties, Christmas parties, daily cold water swimming and warm refreshments. It’s time for us all to celebrate the start of a better future for this site.

"We can’t do it without you, we’ve lost vast sums of money from future bookings that have cancelled over the past few months as this fight has become more public. We are committed to our entire team and their employment security, we need you to come and help make this possible and support this site, love it, use it and most importantly, have fun because this is what The Lido is all about.