Fort Regent Redevelopment Falls Eight Months Behind Schedule
Plans to transform Jersey’s Fort Regent have fallen at least eight months behind schedule, with the landmark remaining closed for more than a year as the £110 million redevelopment faces further delays.
The original timetable for the ambitious project envisaged securing site-wide planning approval by October 2026. However, an application for the first phase of construction, which was expected to be submitted by the end of March, has yet to be lodged.
The Government of Jersey has attributed the delays partly to the election period and the additional time required to address conservation issues surrounding the historic site.
The latest target is to submit the final planning application for Phase One by the end of November 2026.
Jersey Development Company unveiled its regeneration vision in April 2025, outlining plans for a major leisure and entertainment destination featuring a concert venue, sports arena and other attractions. At the time, the project was expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Several preparatory works have received consent, including asbestos removal in August, ground investigation work in June and roof removal in April. However, no detailed update has been provided on the progress of these activities.
The government maintains that significant work has continued behind the scenes despite the delays.
£43 million allocated for first phase
Funding of £43 million has been approved for the first phase of the redevelopment and remains included in the 2027 Budget.
The government said the money would fund essential repairs and infrastructure improvements to secure the building and prepare it for subsequent stages of the project.
Planned works include repairs to the historic roof and extensive glazing, conservation of the fort’s walls, upgrades to outdated building services, and improvements to drainage and fire safety systems.
Revised proposals unveiled in April 2026 also included plans for a cinema, bowling alley and outdoor play and activity areas, adding to the proposed entertainment and sporting facilities.
Historic status adds complexity
Explaining the reasons for the revised timetable, the government said the programme had taken longer than initially anticipated because of the election period and changes to the scope of the first phase.
It added that Fort Regent’s status as a listed Georgian fort meant that considerable care was needed throughout the design, planning and conservation process.
The government said these requirements were necessary to ensure the redevelopment was carried out appropriately.
Once planning permission has been secured, the Jersey Development Company intends to invite expressions of interest from construction firms.
However, no revised completion date has been announced, leaving uncertainty over when the long-awaited transformation of Fort Regent will be finished.
