Government Incurred £5m Loss Operating Fort Regent

Jersey Taxpayers Foot £5m Bill for Fort Regent Losses

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that the Government of Jersey has incurred nearly £5 million in losses from operating Fort Regent over the past five years.

The financial strain, which spans from 2020 to 2025, was heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. During periods of mandatory closure, staff continued to receive full salaries, adding to the cost burden. The historic 19th-century fort and leisure centre, located on Mont de la Ville in St Helier, was hit particularly hard by reduced income as memberships were discounted and refunds issued.

Pandemic-era staff costs averaged £1.2 million annually, despite the facility being closed for long periods. The site reopened in 2022, leading to a slight recovery in income, which exceeded £1.1 million. However, reduced operating hours helped trim staff costs to just over £700,000 that year.

The following year, in 2023, income plummeted to £379,058 after gym and fitness services were relocated to Springfield. Despite the move, Fort Regent still cost the government nearly £900,000 to operate.

Looking ahead, the site is projected to require more than £600,000 in running costs in 2025. Plans are currently in place for a £110 million redevelopment of the centre, which will likely see its closure in the near future.