Islanders are being encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed Future Fort Regent plans, which have been published today. The vision is for Fort Regent to become a first-class modern cultural and leisure destination.
The proposals are to redevelop Fort Regent into a multiple facility destination hub, becoming a significant attraction for both Islanders and visitors alike. The plans include botanical and winter gardens, flexible venue space, contemporary entertainment options and family-focused facilities.
The plan sets out a phased approach, consisting of an Early Phase, which is expected to take up to three years, and Longer-Term Phase, which is expected to take up to ten years to develop.
The Early Phase will involve stripping out the asbestos and redundant structures, improving access to the venue and creating a new internal flexible space, offering a large venue area to be used for concerts, events, shows, exhibitions and more. Plus, outdoor plans include; reinstating the garden area and heritage walkways and building a children's activity play in the moats and ramparts, all providing more much needed open space within St Helier.
The later phase will focus on creating the winter gardens, a multipurpose venue, an indoor 'leisure box' with modern play area, food and drink venues, other entertainment attractions and a hotel.
A public survey for Islanders to share their thoughts on Future Fort Regent is accessible here. The Government is urging all Islanders to share their views, as the Fort is an attraction that will benefit the whole community.
Research agency 4insight recently gathered some Islanders' views on the proposed plans through six focus groups and online forums. More than 30 Islanders were involved in the focus groups which ran between 6 April and 14 April, and more than 50 Islanders took part in the online discussions.
Overall, respondents responded positively to the plans and felt that Fort Regent was currently under-used and should be adapted for a range of different facilities for all ages. A lift from Snow Hill was among the most popular options to improve access to Fort Regent.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: "I am pleased that the Future Fort proposals have been published for Islanders to review and share their feedback and I would like to thank all the officers involved and my colleagues, Senator Lyndon Farnham and Deputy Hugh Raymond for helping make this happen.
"Fort Regent is an important part of St Helier's skyline, and many Islanders will have fond memories of the venue. Unfortunately, over the years, it has become underutilised and needs investment and rejuvenation.
"In March, we announced our Inspiring Active Places strategy which moves existing users of Fort Regent into new state-of-the-art facilities, so that our attention can turn to the future of Fort Regent.
"The Future Fort plans demonstrate a vision to turn Fort Regent into a cultural and leisure destination, providing activities for Islanders and tourists of all ages to enjoy. The focus groups and online community groups received the plans with enthusiasm, but we want all Islanders to get involved in sharing their feedback on the plans, as this will be a venue for the whole Island to enjoy."
The survey is available on the Government of Jersey website.