Jersey's government is being asked to buy the former Seaside Cafe at Grève De Lecq.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham - who represents St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter - is bringing a States vote on negotiating a price for the land at the popular bay.
The former Romany cafe was sold in 2020. In January 2022 the new owners got planning permission for a four bedroom home and 100-seater eatery.
It's listed for sale for offers over £5 million with the planning permission, or over £11 million for the completed development.
If you go there today, you'll see metal barriers around the empty building and huge car park.
But Deputy Farnham says it is sad to see such an iconic spot now derelict and it would equally be a shame for it to be a private home.
How sad to see this once thriving hub of Greve de Lecq lying empty and derelict. It would be such a shame to see a private residence created here. The States really should acquire this property and restore a sustainable thriving business and car park to protect public access to… pic.twitter.com/ohmC77242g
— Dep. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) June 23, 2023
He wants the States to buy it and restore it to a thriving business and car park to protect public access to the bay.
"The States still have an opportunity to acquire this important piece of land for the benefit of the public.
An acquisition would;
(a) preserve the historic and cultural significance of the bay;
(b) ensure public access for recreational and educational purposes;
(c) bring significant economic benefits to the local area and boost tourism; and,
(d) protect the bay from development and other activities not suitable to the area."
If States members support him, the Treasury Minister would be required to negotiate a price, and the Assembly would then be asked to approve ata future debate buying the site for that negotiated sum.
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