States to review alternative leisure centre uses

Guernsey's government will look at adding alternative uses for the island's States-owned leisure centre, after it lost nearly £900,000 in 2024.

Beau Sejour, in St Peter Port, already operates a theatre and cinema as well as hosting community and corporate events - on top of swimming and sports facilities.

A recent review by Education, Sport and Culture (ESC) said there was "strong interest" in relocating a number of government, private and charity services to maximise efficiency and create a "holistic community" service hub.

Katie Cocherane, from the Guernsey Basketball Association, said without Beau Sejour the island "probably wouldn't have a basketball league".

Ms Cocherane said there was only one other regulation-sized basketball court on the island.

She said: "It's our home, it's where we play all of our games."

Wayne Bullpitt, who was on the panel that created the report, warned people not to "jump to conclusions".

He said there were a "number of areas to be further reviewed".

Mr Bulpitt - a former chief commissioner of UK Scouting Association - said the swimming pool was full much of the time, so could be potentially extended.

However, while the sports hall was "vital to basketball", it was "unusually large" for the size of the island, he said.

Law student Sammie Carre, 31, said: "I've been coming here since the old Beau Sejour was around. so it's always been a really big part of my life.

Miss Carre said she would "hang out" with friends as a teenager and now brings her nephews and nieces.

"This is a massive part of our life with the kids," she said, "It's just a really lovely area."

Tim Eggimann, 43, said he "spent a lot of time" at the centre with his nephew, who liked scootering and had recently taken up skateboarding.

Mr Eggimann said his nephew also used the swimming pool and was hoping to take up basketball soon.

Paige Hamon, 26, said: "We use it primarily for the park and the cafe - maybe for the soft play sometimes.

"When my son gets old enough we'll take him swimming."

Miss Hamon said it was "a pretty important park" and part of her childhood.

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