Blow to sport as new facililties at Les Ozouets put on ice

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Basketball, netball and volleyball have been dealt a blow after plans for a new sports hall at Les Ozouets were dropped from the latest immediate development plans.

An amendment by Policy & Resources to be debated this week proposes a phased development of the post-16 site, with any sports facilities to be considered as part of the next stage with no certainty of when that will be or what will be decided.

Instead, Beau Sejour is likely be used for some of the post-16 curriculum offering and any potential for new facilities there included in an ongoing review.

The Guernsey Sports Commission carried out a review of all the islands sports facilities, both public and private, in 2021 and key recommendations of that still remain unanswered.

That included the need for a new sports hall.

“We’re disappointed that the sports facilities as originally planned don’t look like they’re currency going to be delivered,” said the Commission's director of communications and engagement Nicky Will.

“We understand the reasons behind that. Our, drive though, is we know there is a drive for netball, basketball and volleyball in particular to have appropriate indoor space.”

Beau Sejour, as it stands, cannot deliver that.

More than a decade ago a sports hall capable of seating up to 500 people was included in the abandoned plans to replace La Mare de Carteret High School.

If Les Ozouets does not provide an answer, one option could be a public/private partnership to create a facility at Beau Sejour.

The Sports Commission would like to be involved in any discussion around that to ensure the facility is up to standard with things like appropriate run off space to host county level competitions. 

Under P&R’s plan, Les Ozouets campus would be built to house The Guernsey Institute, moving out of Les Coutanchez which could then be sold for housing.

Up to £55m. would be borrowed and £33m. taken from States reserves to fund the project.

The Sixth Form Centre foundations could be put in, but no decision taken on whether to go ahead with the development until next term, just like the sports facilities.

Education member Deputy Andy Cameron does not back P&R’s approach as he believes the Sixth Form should remain at the Les Varendes site.

“It’s disappointing that the sports facilities have also been phased out of Les Ozouets Campus,” he said.

“I think most knew that the sports facilities would be the first to go if the project was scaled down. I have long advocated for improved access to Beau Sejour and the facilities at Footes Lane for our post-16 students, so hopefully some positive outcomes will come of this”

The Guernsey Sports Commission released its annual report this week, which touched on the problems with the management of States sports facilities and the barriers charging schools to use them were creating.

Tomorrow… more on the Guernsey Sports Commission annual report.