Fort Regent plans backed by entertainment boss

A 2,500 seater venue could boost entertainment in Jersey, said comedy club owner Neal Fryer

Multimillion-pound plans for a leisure centre upgrade in Jersey could help attract "big names" to the island, a comedy club owner has said.

Neal Fryer, who owns the Star Stage Comedy Club, said the £110m makeover for Fort Regent announced by the Government of Jersey this week could "open up so many different acts".

The vision is for the Jersey Development Company (JDC) to create a place for socialising, entertainment and recreation, with a particular focus on children and young adults.

Mr Fryer said "all the big names do want to come here" but current venues were too small.

'Big benefit'

The proposals for Fort Regent include a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley and a six-screen cinema.

Mr Fryer said comedians had turned down a visit the island due to the available venues.

He said: "When I tell them the options we have to put them up here stadium-wise, venue-wise, then I'm declined.

"People would absolutely love to see [Fort Regent] return to its former glory, with the funfair rides that it had, it was a very special time.

"This would be a real big benefit to the people of Jersey and the tourists."

The proposed redevelopment also features landscaped gardens and a return of the Fort Regent cable cars.

The fort is due to be emptied by the end of December 2025, with work expected to begin early next year.

Officials said the three-year project was due to be completed in December 2028.

An independent public survey about the plans will be open until Sunday 18 May.