Fort Regent revamp could seek private investment

Private investment could be sought to fund redeveloping of Jersey's Fort Regent, the infrastructure minister has confirmed.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf laid out the next steps for the project following a revelation that its £110m cost projection from two years ago was expected to rise due to 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. It had been forecast for completion by 2029.

But Renouf said the work on the Grade I listed building had to be considered "alongside the many other demands on public finances".

Decisions over changes to phase one of the project, which includes making the building safe by removing asbestos and fixing the roof, were delayed due to the election period earlier this year.

The Regeneration Steering Group (RSG) had not met since 11 February, before the election period began in April.

Since then, 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.

During a September meeting, RSG members approved adjustments to phase one of the plan.

The original £43m cost of phase one is not expected to change, although the overall cost is expected to rise. No new total has been forecast.

The government said it wanted to make sure the scale of any further investment in Fort Regent was "affordable, represents good value for Islanders and takes account of opportunities for private-sector involvement".

It added it would "test private sector interest in the future regeneration and operation of Fort Regent".

Renouf said: "Fort Regent is an important public asset and there is a clear need to deal with the significant investment required after many years of under-investment in the building.

"At the same time, the new Council of Ministers has to consider Fort Regent alongside the many other demands on public finances and make sure that any further investment is affordable and provides good value for islanders.

"Rather than committing now to one particular option, we are using the coming months to establish the actual cost of the essential works, test whether there is meaningful private-sector interest and properly assess the different options available to government."

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