Questions Raised Over Funding for Fort Regent Redevelopment

Concerns have been raised over how Jersey’s ambitious £110 million redevelopment of Fort Regent will be financed, as questions emerge about long-term funding commitments.

Under the proposed Government Plan for 2026–2029, ministers have pledged to borrow £43 million to begin work on the historic St Helier site. The initial funding would be used primarily to repair the roof and remove asbestos, with the remaining £67 million expected to be outlined in future budgets.

Officials have suggested that the balance could come from the Jersey Capital Investment Fund, though this would require approval from the States Assembly.

Following a presentation on the redevelopment, Hilary Jeune, chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, said more clarity was needed.

“If everything we do on infrastructure goes into this fund, then we have to ask how it will be paid for,” she said. “We’re already seeing £43 million in borrowing to make the fort structurally sound, but there are no plans for how that money will be repaid.”

The Fort Regent redevelopment—designed by the Jersey Development Company—includes ambitious features such as a 2,500-seat theatre, 12-lane bowling alley, six-screen cinema (relocated from the waterfront), climbing and bouldering areas, virtual golf, e-gaming zones, and a range of restaurants and family leisure spaces.

Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan defended the investment, saying the initial borrowing was essential to bring the facility up to modern standards.

“The £43 million allows us to get the facility up to speed. We need to ensure the right electrical and mechanical systems are in place,” he said.

Jehan added that discussions were ongoing with Treasury officials about securing the remaining funds from the investment fund.

“We’ve made good progress over the last six months,” he said. “It’s important to keep that momentum going so we can open the new facility by the end of 2028.”