Fort Regent plans receive 'overwhelming' support

There been 'overwhelming' public support for revamping Fort Regent.

An ambitious £110 million transformation of the Fort into an all-weather leisure venue was unveiled in April.

READ: Rooftop bar, climbing wall and concert hall in £110m Fort Regent plans

Jersey Development Company, which drew up the vision, then ran a public survey to get feedback.

It says 6,000 islanders and visitors took part  - which it says is highest response rate ever recorded for a survey of this kind in Jersey.

Respondents included 2,000 students, following presentations given in secondary schools to get feedback from young people.

 Plans included a running track within the ground of the Fort above St Helier.

89% of those aged 16 and over said they were satisfied with the proposed new activities, and among younger islanders (aged 11-16), this rose to 94%.

Visitors were keen on the ideas, too, with 94% being satisfied.

Respondents also rated specific features out of ten for how satisfied they were with them.

The rooftop bar and restaurant and the proposed concert hall both scored the highest. 

Also popular was the Ninja Play, Sky, Climb and Boulder Wall area.

A cinema, arcade, e-gaming area, bowling alley and ball zone all scored above 7.

Part of the ramparts - where defensive structures have already been removed - offer views out over St Helier

98% of people who answered the survey agreed that better links from town to Fort Regent are important.

Many, particularly younger islanders, were enthusiastic about the proposed cable car link.

Cable cars used to take visitors from Snow Hill to Fort Regent, but they stopped in 1988.

Accessibility to the Fort could be enhanced, and a new entrance building created.

Some people suggested their own additions to the plans  - including a swimming pool, roller-skating rink. go-kart track and casino.

5% called for existing sports facilities at the Fort to be kept.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan says the response to the survey is 'nothing short of remarkable'.

"We now have a mandate to move forward confidently, creating a vibrant, inclusive and accessible destination that meets the needs of future generations while respecting the Fort’s historic significance.”

JDC CEO Lee Henry said virtually all students surveyed said they would regularly use the regenerated Fort if the vision was delivered, compared to just 5% using it today.

"This is an overwhelming response from the community, and we look forward to working with government on advancing the regeneration of the Fort so that it once again delivers significant all-weather amenities for islanders and visitors.

The future of Fort Regent has been in the balance for years, with plans proposed, considered unaffordable, or rejected multiple times.

The timeline for regeneration wants the site to be empty by the end of 2025, with safety works beginning in March 2026 funded by the College Gardens Fund and a completion date of the end of 2028.