The Jersey Hospitality Association has expressed disappointment at the delay to Fort Regent’s redevelopment, following confirmation that Ministers will not consider the next stage of the project until around the middle of 2027.
The Government of Jersey announced on 10 November that further work would be undertaken to assess the cost of essential repairs, potential private-sector investment and options for the site’s longer-term regeneration.
Funding remains allocated in the proposed 2027 Budget for essential works, with tenders expected to be issued before the end of this year. An external adviser will also be appointed to assess commercial interest in investing in or operating all or part of the site.
Minister for Infrastructure Deputy Jonathan Renouf said: “Rather than committing now to one particular option, we are using the coming months to establish the actual cost of the essential works, test whether there is meaningful private-sector interest and properly assess the different options available to Government.
“This work will ensure Ministers have the information they need to make properly informed decisions about the future of Fort Regent.”
The Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) said it was deeply disappointed, although not surprised, by the delay, arguing that the redevelopment plans had never been supported by a sufficient budget.
The Association, which has long supported the development of a conference and events venue, highlighted that only £3.8 million of the £26.1 million approved for Fort Regent this year is now expected to be spent.
It also questioned the Government’s spending priorities, noting that the proposed Budget includes £43 million of borrowing for Fort Regent, while failing to provide an additional £2 million to prevent Visit Jersey’s marketing budget from falling by almost half next year.
The JHA said the reduction was particularly concerning as Jet2 prepares to triple its capacity to almost 155,000 seats. It reiterated its call for annual destination marketing funding of at least £10 million, agreed over several years.
Despite its concerns, the Association welcomed the Minister’s openness and said it was willing to contribute its commercial expertise to discussions about potential private-sector involvement.
The Government expects the results of its assessments to be available for Ministers to consider around the middle of 2027.
