The Government of Jersey, through its Regeneration Steering Group, has unveiled ambitious proposals to redevelop Fort Regent, restoring its status as the Island’s premier leisure and entertainment hub.
The transformation will create a vibrant, modern destination for socialising, entertainment and recreation, with a strong emphasis on facilities for children and young adults.
In collaboration with the Jersey Development Company (JDC), the Government’s property development arm, practical and sustainable plans have been developed that balance heritage with state-of-the art leisure and entertainment facilities.
Key Features of the proposed redevelopment:
Internal transformations
- Gloucester Hall redeveloped into a flexible 2,500 seat acoustic theatre, enhancing Jersey’s ability to attract larger live performances and events, and provide flexibility for DJ events, conferences, conventions and/or a show court for sporting events.
- Queens Hall (the Rotunda) converted into a multi-functional entertainment complex over two floors, incorporating:
- A 12-lane ten-pin bowling facility
- Arcade and battle café style games space
- A six-screen cinema (relocated from the Waterfront)
- The Piazza and adjacent perimeter Garrison Rooms redesigned as an arts and culture hub, providing spaces for performing arts, music and artist studios surrounding a large covered space for hosting exhibitions, events and live performances, and serving as the home of Jersey’s winter ice rink.
- The former Active Gym space repurposed as a multi-activity facility for all ages, featuring:
- A ‘Ninja Warrior’-style active play zone
- Sky Trail
- Climbing and bouldering activities
- Additionally, some of the remaining perimeter rooms and Don Theatre are proposed to become e-gaming zones, virtual golf, cafés and a bar.
New outdoor amenities
- A destination skatepark catering to all ages
- A pump track for BMXers and Mountain Bikers
- A play and heritage trail
- A 500m running track
- A teenage zone with a 3×3 ball court and a dedicated social space for older children and teenagers
External enhancements
- Improved accessibility and a new entrance building
- A cable car link to the Fort
- A hotel (on the site of the former swimming pool)
- A relocated children’s nursery
- A rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views over St Helier
- Landscaped gardens
- Uplighting of the Fort’s external walls
Cost and funding strategy
This initiative is part of a broader Government strategy for longer-term, ongoing investment in Jersey’s infrastructure, housing, healthcare, public spaces and sport, leisure and recreational facilities.
The cost of the Fort Regent redevelopment is estimated at £110 million – excluding the new hotel which will be privately funded.
Financing for the project will come from the following sources, details for which are under development:
- Revenues from Fort Regent: Income from rental agreements, events revenue and other commercial activities.
- Borrowing: To prevent further delays, enabling immediate investment while spreading repayment over time.
- Existing Capital Budget contributions: Allocations from annual capital budgets.
- Additional Government contributions: Public sector efficiency savings and budget surpluses, where available.
Funding proposals will be presented to the States Assembly once the design and costs have been finalised.
Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham commented: “The long-overdue redevelopment of Fort Regent Leisure Centre represents a transformational investment in Jersey’s community. Working with the Jersey Development Company, we have developed an ambitious plan that delivers modern, high-quality leisure and recreational facilities with a particular focus on children and young adults. 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.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Connétable Andy Jehan said: “I am very pleased to share these exciting plans for the future of Fort Regent. I hope that islanders will look closely at what is proposed and give us their feedback, including where they think the plans can be improved. We are listening and want to be sure that the regeneration meets the needs and ambitions of the public.
“Our aim is for Fort Regent to once again be the Island’s premier family leisure and entertainment venue with a wide range of activities, including sport. This consultation marks a turning point, where we can bring Fort Regent back into proper use and make it the vibrant community asset we all know it can be.”
Lee Henry, CEO of JDC added: “Jersey Development Company is honoured to have been entrusted by Government to regenerate Fort Regent. The Fort is a much-loved community asset and we look forward to engaging with the community on the exciting vision for its regeneration. We have carefully ensured that the proposals respect the heritage and focus on delivering much needed all-weather amenities for children, young adults and families. The consultation on the proposals has launched and we hope to hear from as many Islanders as possible in order to inform the plans and we look forward to receiving the community’s views.”
