The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, has signed a ministerial decision to authorise £500,000 of funding for essential maintenance at Fort Regent.
The funding had originally been allocated to fund the demolition of the swimming pool and cable care at the Fort, but these projects are expected to come in under budget.
The surplus funding is therefore being used to
- install a new fire detection and alarm system
- improve emergency signage
- upgrade emergency lighting; and
- complete maintenance works on the showers and changing rooms.
This means that Fort Regent’s operational team will be able to reduce the number of fire marshals needed for events and for day-to-day operations.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Steve Pallett, said: “While we are continuing to look at options for the Fort’s long-term future, it is important to remember that, in the meantime, the building remains a significant community hub. Many islanders enjoy using Fort Regent’s sports and leisure facilities, and the building is also popular venue for events and concerts.
“Keeping the building safe and sufficiently maintained is therefore very important, and our thanks must go to Deputy Hugh Raymond and his team at Jersey Property Holdings for carrying out this essential maintenance work. It is crucial that islanders can continue to safely enjoy Fort Regents facilities and that our much loved Fort can remain an integral part of island life while decisions over its long-term future are being made.”
The work means that Fort Regent can now safely host large events, such as the Jersey Symphony Orchestra concert, which took place at the venue earlier this month.
