Jersey roller-skate club may 'have to fold

Future Uncertain for Jersey Roller-Skating Club Amid Venue Closure

A long-established roller-skating club in Jersey has warned it may be forced to shut down due to the lack of a suitable new venue after being asked to leave its current home at Fort Regent.

Empire Skating Club, which has trained generations of local skaters, has been based at Fort Regent for years. However, the government plans to close the sports centre by the end of 2025 as part of an ambitious £110 million redevelopment project to transform the site.

While authorities have said they are committed to helping displaced clubs transition to other existing sports facilities across the island, Empire Skating Club says it has been left in limbo.

The club was initially told it would be relocated to Oakfield Sports Centre. But only recently did coaches learn that the flooring there is unsuitable for roller skating—an issue that could jeopardise the club’s future.

Bethany Lawrence, the club’s head coach, expressed deep frustration at how the situation has unfolded.

“We’ve had years of reassurances that a new space would be found for us,” she said. “It’s only in the last couple of months we’ve been told Oakfield isn’t an option because of the floor. It’s incredibly disappointing.”

Lawrence, who has poured years of energy into the club, said its closure would be devastating for the skaters and the local community.

“This club is everything to me. It’s where I spend all my spare time, where I teach amazing kids who absolutely love the sport. We really need the community’s help to find a new home.”

Assistant coach Darren Dupre echoed those concerns. “If we can’t find the right venue and hours, we might have no choice but to fold,” he said. “You can only do so much with unsuitable flooring. Without the proper conditions, we’ll struggle to develop skaters to a competitive level.”

Jersey’s Infrastructure Minister, Andy Jehan, who oversees sports development, said he remains optimistic about finding a solution. He confirmed that government officials are in regular discussions with the club.