Call for Increased Hotel Investment in Jersey

Planned Jersey Hotel 'Vital' Amid Declining Room Numbers, Say Industry Experts

A proposed hotel development in Jersey has been described as “much needed,” following a public consultation held this week to showcase plans for a major new hospitality and leisure complex.

The scheme includes a 170–180 bedroom hotel, a conference centre, a health spa, and a swimming pool, and would be located at the current Strive Health Club site in St Peter. Under the proposals, existing facilities at Strive would not only be retained but significantly enhanced.

Tim Crowley, chairman of the Visitor Economy Committee at the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the project, calling it “really positive” and highlighting the urgent need for investment in the island’s aging hotel infrastructure.

“I recently saw a list of hotels that have closed, and it really shocked me,” Mr Crowley said. “We need fresh investment. The market is old and in need of replacement and rejuvenation. We absolutely hope the island and, in particular, the government and Planning, get behind this.”

According to official statistics, Jersey’s number of hotels fell from 55 in 2022 to just 47 in 2024, prompting concerns about the island’s capacity to accommodate growing visitor numbers and maintain tourism competitiveness.

A display board at the consultation, titled Community Benefits, outlined the development’s potential positive impacts, including: increased investment in tourism, a world-class sports and leisure campus, future indoor sports facilities, training camps for elite teams, a high-end hotel and conference venue, new restaurants and retail units, and improved amenities for existing health club members. It also highlighted planned ecological enhancements.

Among those attending the event was local resident Stephen de Gruchy, who said the plans appeared “very well thought through.”

“The island needs more hotel beds,” he said. “What’s appealing about this proposal is that it brings something new—something that can attract both sports clubs and regular tourists.”

Another attendee, Nick Campbell, welcomed the possibility of additional accommodation options for families visiting from the UK.

“My family comes over from Glasgow, and it’s often difficult to find somewhere for them to stay,” he said. “This kind of development could make a big difference—not just for tourism, but for locals too.”

The proposed project is now awaiting planning approval.