PROPOSALS for a £10 million-plus investment in the Watersplash to create a ‘world class’ family surfing centre will go on public display tomorrow.
Scale models of the rejuvenation plans and an exhibition outlining the vision of the Seymour family can be viewed at the popular St Ouen’s Bay attraction until Saturday.
The plans are the brainchild of hotelier David Seymour, who has surfed at St Ouen for much of his life, and include a novel indoor facility that will allow surfers to practise their skills all year round.
The scheme will also encompass a small skateboarding bowl, a climbing wall for younger children, a surfing shop, casual and fine dining restaurants, entertainment facilities and six surf lodges with a total of 24 beds for visitors.
The proposals further include the creation of educational programmes and the setting up of a Channel Islands chapter of a foundation that teaches people how to protect the marine environment.
Article posted on 10th June, 2008 - 2.56pm
5 Article Comments
Initially, the plans look great and a much needed rejuventation of the site. But, will this mean the end of another Jersey nightclub ?
St Ouens Bay has the biggest wave pool in the world already its called the sea.
It is already overcrowded over developed and with all the cafes etc usually full of litter.
it is one of the last natural places in Jersey left we should be fighting to protect it and the states should be buying land there to revert back to nature.
who realistically wants that monstrosity in Jerseys only slice of nature. I will tell you who Mr Seymour who will make money from it.
No surfer or lover of the real natural world would want this.
The Splash is a stain on St Oens already lets not make it worse.
I’m all for the proposed development, and in response to nature lovers’s comment am sure that the Seymour’s fully appreciate the need for environmental preservation. To refer to St Ouens bay as Jersey’s only slice of nature is absurd, I suggest you leave the parish once in a while.
I agree with Steve however, its a shame to lose another night club that has not been ruined by St Helier’s development.
Jersey has to balance enviromental issues with that of a long failing tourist industry. Tourism was once a great source of income for the Island, sadly, it has diminished over time. I would love to see Jersey regain its status as a great tourist spot. Combining the beauty of the Island with its world renowned culinary expertise, history, and the warmth of the Jersey people, the over the top building and conversion of hotels to domestic accomodation cannot be sustained.So please plan for a sustainable future which should include employment oppurtunities. The wave pool could be one such assett.
Having received the news on this proposed development my first thought was ‘At last!’ The current ‘Splash is an eyesore and has long needed major improvements. The ’splash and the bay has been a favourite place all my life and I quite like the look of the new plans!
The proposed scheme sounds exciting, and a place for all year round fun. I hope it is ‘passed’