New £110m redevelopment plans for Fort Regent

Jersey's Chief Minister has described the redevelopment as "long overdue"

Jersey's government has announced new plans to regenerate Fort Regent.

It wants to spend £110m transforming the site into what it describes as a "21st Century leisure destination".

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.

The public has been invited to share views on the plans, with an independent survey open until 18 May.

As part of the plans, Fort Regent's soft play facilities would be moved to St Helier waterfront

The proposals include a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley, and a six-screen cinema, which would be relocated from the waterfront.

There would also be a play area, virtual golf, e-gaming zones and a facility for climbing and bouldering, as well as places to eat and drink.

Meanwhile, the plans for outside include a rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a skate park, BMX track, a 500-metre running track and a dedicated space for older children and teenagers to socialise.

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

A new hotel, which would be privately funded, could also be built on the site of the former swimming pool, subject to planning permissions.

'Heart of island life'

Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham described the redevelopment as "ambitious" and "long overdue".

"I look forward to hearing islanders' views during the consultation process and to seeing Fort Regent fully revitalised as a vibrant social hub at the heart of island life."

Meanwhile, Jersey's infrastructure minister, Constable Andy Jehan, said he was "excited" by the proposals.

"It is a much more reasonable plan than we've seen perhaps three or four years ago," he said.

"We had plans which were almost £300m, which in today's figures would be £400m.

"This is around a quarter of the price, but it still gives something for a lot of people to enjoy."

Infrastructure minister, Constable Andy Jehan, said he hoped the public would support the plans

The public is invited to a presentation at the Pomme d'Or Hotel on 22 April to ask questions and provide feedback.

Representatives of the Jersey Development Company are also visiting secondary schools to get the views of under-18s.

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

The three year project is due to be completed in December 2028.