It seems the face of Jersey is ever changing, and with it the offering we provide to both our tourists and visitors.
Fort Regent has been mentioned a lot now in the media, with plenty of input happening from the public across social media platforms. One thing that’s clear is the love of the island and a desire to make things how they used to be. For me this can be double edged. You can clearly see the desires of the public, yet it’s also apparent that the business opportunities of these ventures aren’t as lucrative as some may believe, hence the fact we don’t have them now.
I believe the Fort should have a lot of public input, be carefully considered, and have something provided that is both beneficial to the public and our visitor economy. The Fort for years has been a beacon on the hill to attract people to a fun day out. This should be the underlying aim in my mind with whatever comes next.
It should also be emphasised a bit more that the Fort is a fantastic example of Jersey’s Heritage and the public should be made more aware of what the site was in times gone by. It’s these examples of Jersey’s rich history that set us apart from the rest.
This last point also comes up a lot when I find out how many people living here don’t know the history of the island or have visited the varying sites we have here, some of which are now recognised as world class.
Whether looking back, or to the future, no decisions regarding important sites such as the Fort or other heritage sites should be rushed into. Their outcome will change the face of the island and the perception by some and this should always be carefully considered and weighed up to make sure it correctly reflects the wishes of the islanders.
Simon Soar, CEO, Jersey Hospitality Association