The National Trust for Jersey has produced images of what Grève De Lecq could look like if the government agrees to buy land and give it to the charity.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham will ask the States to spend £3.6 million on the site of the former Seaside Cafe.

He wants it handed over to the National Trust, on condition it is used for environmental, cultural and social public benefit.

Last summer, Deputy Farnham won a States vote (32 votes to 10) instructing the Treasury Minister to negotiate a price for the cafe and car park in the popular bay.

It was sold by the previous owners in 2020 and developers got planning permission in January 2022 to create a four-bedroom luxury private home and 100-seater eatery.

The site was on the market for £5 undeveloped, or £11m with the completed buildings.

Plans for the site were approved in January 2022. Picture Credit: MSPlanning

Growing impatient, Deputy Farnham says he has contacted the owner and negotiated a price of £3.6m.

He'll ask colleagues to agree taxpayers' money should be used to buy the land, and that it should be given to the National Trust for Jersey.

The Trust has worked on projects such as Mont Grantez's Sunset Concerts, the regeneration of Plémont, the restoration of the Devil's Hole and the acquisition of several undeveloped and forgotten sites.

An aerial photo of the current site.  Credit: National Trust for Jersey.

Chief Executive Charles Alluto says it feels honoured to potentially be gifted the site, and that it would seek islanders opinions over its future.

"It would be [the Trust's] intention to go out to public consultation regarding future uses for the site.

It is absolutely crucial that given the level of public investment, the public should have a say as to they would like the site to develop in future with options such as complete clearance to a refurbished cafe and interpretation centre."

The Trust feels that the Seaside Cafe site would further protect the 'natural beauty and rich heritage' of the bay.

Restoring public access to the beach and re-opening the car park would also be a priority.