Total cost to revamp Fort Regent expected to rise

The cost of redeveloping Fort Regent is expected to rise due to inflation and design changes, Jersey officials have said.

Answering a written question, Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf said the £110m costing of the project from two years ago had been impacted by inflationary pressures, design changes, and the Middle East conflict.

The government's revamp of the St Helier site is expected to include a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley, a six-screen cinema, and places to eat and drink.

But approval of changes to the first phase, which includes making the building safe by removing asbestos and fixing the roof, was delayed due to the election period. The new total cost is unclear.

The Regeneration Steering Group (RSG) had been tasked with green lighting the new plans but it could not meet due to the election period, which started in April.

The final meeting of the RSG prior to the 2026 election period took place on 11 February.

During the time, officers were told by the States of Jersey Development Company that the estimated costs had increased, and that it would have "a material bearing" on the RSG's next meeting.

It said the initial £110m costing identified two years ago had risen due to factors such as "the natural progression of the programme", and "inflationary pressures, design changes and safety requirements".

"[These] were compounded by risks unforeseen ahead of the pre-election period such as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East," Renouf said.

Officers then decided the plans would be paused until a new RSG convened on 17 September, following the election.

"It is important to be clear that since its first meeting, the RSG has placed a strong focus on resolving plans for the fort and will be meeting monthly to ensure progress is sustained," he said.

During the September meeting, RSG members decided changes needed to be made to phase one of the plan while retaining essential parts such as fixing the roof, asbestos removal, and updating utilities.

The original £43m cost of phase one is not expected to change, although the revised timeline for starting the work has not been formally approved.

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