Ceremony marks opening of new £8m sports centre

The new sports centre offers facilities for schools and clubs

A new £8m sports facility has "raised the bar" for fitness, according to one of the island's sports bosses.

Jersey Sport chief executive David Kennedy, who joined Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and Minister for Infrastructure Andy Jehan at the opening of the Oakfield sport centre in St Saviour, said the venue should help islanders achieve their sporting ambitions.

"It has got the best quality equipment, and the sheer size and scale of it really blows you away," he said.

The centre will host various sports across three multi-sport arenas including a 3G pitch, martial arts studios and purpose-built gymnastics hall.

The centre will be used by schools and the wider community

Susannah, 18, who was at the opening, said: "It's nice to get new equipment, new space, and it opens up more opportunities to play different sports."

The new facility, run by Active, opened following the closure of the Fort Regent centre, and will host some of the sporting activities previously held there.

Work started on the new building in August 2024, with sports groups, including Jersey Cricket and Jersey Netball Association, invited to look around as work progressed.

The facilities will be shared during school hours with local schools, including Highlands College and Hautlieu School, and junior clubs, with members and groups able to use the facilities outside of these times.

Minister for Infrastructure Andy Jehan said the centre should encourage young people continue with sport

Sports clubs and associations can also hire the centre's arenas, pitch and studios.

The government hopes the centre will be "community-focused" and part of a network of sports facilities across Jersey.

Jehan said the "fantastic facility" means "hopefully people will stay more involved and get involved in sport" and enjoy the health and sporting benefits it offers.