Fort Regent redevelopment faces delays as plans continue

Plans to transform Fort Regent in St Helier are taking longer than anticipated, with officials citing the election period and changes to the first phase of the project as contributing factors.

The £110m redevelopment, being led by Jersey Development Company, is expected to turn the historic site into a major leisure and entertainment destination.

Proposals include a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley, a six-screen cinema, children's play areas, climbing and bouldering facilities, alongside food and drink outlets.

The government confirmed that £43m previously approved for Fort Regent remains included in its 2027 budget proposals. The funding is earmarked for the initial phase of the redevelopment.

This first stage will focus on essential repairs and infrastructure improvements to protect the building and prepare it for future development.

Planned works include repairs to the historic roof and extensive glazing, conservation work on the walls, upgrades to ageing services, and improvements to drainage and fire safety.

Planning work continues

Officials said design work was ongoing, with a final planning application for the first phase expected to be submitted towards the end of November.

They highlighted the challenges involved in redeveloping the site, describing Fort Regent as a complex, listed Georgian fort requiring careful consideration of its design, planning requirements and historic features.

The government said these factors added to the time needed to ensure the work was carried out appropriately.

Subject to planning approval, the project team intends to invite expressions of interest from construction companies in the new year, before moving ahead with the main procurement process.

the timetable has slipped, the £43m allocation remains in the 2027 budget proposals, with the initial investment intended to secure the historic structure and lay the foundations for the wider redevelopment.