£110m Fort Regent Revamp Could Deliver Cinema, Bowling and Events Arena by 2029

A major redevelopment of Fort Regent could see a new multi-use arena, bowling alley and six-screen cinema open by 2029, subject to planning approval and funding, government officials have confirmed.

The Government of Jersey and the Jersey Development Company (JDC) have unveiled updated proposals for the £110 million transformation of the St Helier site. The plans include an entertainment complex featuring an arcade, e-gaming studio and a flexible events arena capable of hosting up to 2,500 people.

However, the project’s funding and planning permission will need approval from the incoming government following June’s election.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said the redevelopment would provide new opportunities for both residents and visitors.

“I think there’s a lot for people to look forward to. It’s for the community of Jersey and it’s for visitors as well,” he said.

He added that hosting events could help attract tourists while also encouraging people to remain on the island or relocate for work. “If we’ve got a good range of events and good facilities, then we’ve got more chance of that,” he said.

Planning applications for the main areas are expected to be submitted by July, with preferred operators potentially secured by September if approval is granted. Under the proposed timeline, the redeveloped venue could open as early as December 2029.

As part of the 2026–2029 government budget, approximately £43 million has already been borrowed to fund essential repairs, including roof work and asbestos removal. Construction work is expected to begin in October, although officials said progress had been slowed due to the extent of asbestos in the building.

“There’s an awful lot of asbestos used in construction during the 1960s and 70s, so we have to make sure that’s handled properly,” Jehan said.

The wider plans also feature outdoor amenities including a play area, skatepark, pump track and sensory garden, with landscaped public spaces designed to remain free for visitors.

JDC chief executive Lee Henry said the development aimed to appeal to all age groups while remaining financially sustainable.

“The way we’ll achieve that is by bringing commercial operators into the fort,” he explained. “Some attractions like the cinema or bowling will be paid for, but there will also be indoor areas and most of the outdoor spaces available free of charge.”

Earlier proposals, including a 500m running track and an on-site hotel, have been dropped from the current plans. However, Henry said there are long-term ambitions to build a hotel on the site of the former swimming pool. Jehan acknowledged that securing planning approval for a hotel would be challenging but said it would help support future events.

Around 200 islanders attended a public meeting to discuss the proposals. Some residents raised concerns about affordability and the balance between digital and physical activities.

Susan Turpin said she would like to see more active leisure facilities, particularly indoors. “I want my kids to be active — not just sitting and doing more e-gaming,” she said.

Others welcomed the proposals. One resident, Graham, said the multi-use arena would be ideal for comedy shows and sporting events, while Marian described the plans as “exciting” and hoped they would move forward.

Her son Andre added that young people on the island need more options. “It’s getting quite boring because many things are closing,” he said.

Another attendee, John, praised the vision, calling the plans “imaginative and creative” and saying they appeared to cater for a wide range of people.