THE Island’s premier theatre – the Jersey Opera House – will not reopen until summer next year due to the scale of refurbishment required to bring the building back to its former glory.
Funding from the government’s fiscal stimulus package had been agreed to carry out essential maintenance with the hope that the venue would be able to reopen later this year.
But, following an extensive review of the Opera House’s condition, the completion date has had to be pushed back a further 12 months.
Having been forced to close at the start of the pandemic, when restrictions meant crowds were unable to gather, the latest setback will mean that the Grade 2 listed building will have been closed for more than three years by the time it finally reopens.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, who has responsibility for culture, said: ‘I am truly sorry that the Opera House will not be able to reopen until June 2023, which is one year later than initially expected.
‘Until now, the work had been scheduled based on estimates, but now that experts have been able to fully review the condition surveys against the proposed schedule of works, we have a much clearer idea of the necessary timeframe.
‘There’s no doubt that this situation is frustrating for all Islanders, and particularly those engaged in the performing arts, but the positive element of this news is that the new timescale comes with greater certainty. Following the extensive refurbishment work, Islanders will be able to enjoy going to the theatre in the knowledge that the building is safe, fit for purpose and that the improvements will make it a better building in which to both perform and enjoy theatrical performances.’
He added that he, alongside officers within his department, would continue to support the arts community and assist with a ‘wide range of performances to take place in venues across the Island’.
A 2020 report commissioned at the request of former government chief executive Charlie Parker showed that electrical and mechanical defects, along with leaks to the roof in potentially dangerous areas, meant that the building was not safe for the public.
The future of the Opera House looked to have been secured after it was granted funding from the Treasury Department’s fiscal stimulus package, which was designed to boost the economy in the wake of the pandemic. However, the funding fell away after it became clear that the works would not be completed before the end of June – a requirement of the Fiscal Stimulus Fund.
In October, theatre director Jasmine Hendry resigned from her post following delays to the refurbishment programme.
Treasury Minister Susie Pinel has now confirmed that the funding for the maintenance work will be secured from alternative revenue streams – although the details of this have not yet been revealed.
Deputy Morel added: ‘The government is fully committed to the refurbishment of the Opera House, which is a magnificent venue that we want to maintain long into the future for all Islanders to enjoy.
‘The building’s health-and-safety issues have accumulated over time and, while the closure is frustrating, it is the only way to undertake the work and ensure we have a fantastic theatre for the long term. I am working with officers and the board of the Opera House to ensure we reopen with a great building and a structure for the theatre as a company, which ensures the building is no longer a burden.
‘This will enable the Island’s artists and musicians to produce great performances at the Opera House and audiences will be able to enjoy theatre and music of an international standard.’
During the next 18 months of closure, and following the review of performance art venues in Jersey, a revised agreement will be reached with the Opera House Board for the use and maintenance of the building.
Board chairman Pierre Horsfall said: ‘It is some comfort that this disruption will result in us taking charge of a building which is fit for purpose, and that we will have a clear agreement between government and the board for the lease and ongoing maintenance of the building.’
