MINISTERS have asked for a detailed survey of the Fort Regent roof structure to help determine options for the complex’s future, after the previous government’s plans for the leisure centre were rejected.
Assistant Economic Development Minister Lucy Stephenson – who has responsibility for sport – said that while the Fort remained safe for all the groups which still used it, getting more information about the lifespan of the roof was ‘a sensible place to start’ in a new appraisal of options. The Jersey Development Company will now commission a condition survey of the iconic structure, which has dominated St Helier’s skyline since the early-1970s.
‘Really, it is back to the drawing board now. There is a will, I believe, around the table now to make some progress and set a future direction for Fort Regent,’ Deputy Stephenson said, adding that the JDC had been asked to assist with a technical survey.
‘Although the roof is regularly inspected visually – and there are absolutely no indications that there are huge issues with it – it is beyond what it was ever built for in terms of its lifespan so it’s really sensible to start by taking a really detailed look at that. And it will involve things like x-rays to look at the fabric of the roof to see what we are working with. Has it got two years’ life left in it, or has it got 20? The discussions will move on from there,’ she said.
The government’s Future Places Group – comprising the Chief Minister, five ministers and the Constable of St Helier when his parish features in discussions – rejected as ‘unfeasible’ previous plans to transform the 19th- century fortress. The rejected ideas included a 2,000-seat conference and exhibition venue, a 150-bed hotel, a cinema, bowling alley, casino, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Although Deputy Stephenson does not sit on the group, she remains a central figure in the Fort’s future while it continues to provide sports facilities. These facilities are planned to move to Springfield and Oakfield although the development of the latter has been delayed by the collapse of the contractor Camerons.
Deputy Stephenson stressed that the Fort was still used by a range of groups – sporting and artistic – who would continue to use its facilities in the short term.
‘The tenants who remain have been told – and I sought to reassure them only a few weeks ago – that they have a home at Fort Regent until their replacement facilities are ready,’ she said.
Officers have been instructed to revert to the Future Places Group with an updated appraisal of options for the complex. Deputy Stephenson said that they had reached ‘a natural pause’ which allowed ministers to reflect on possibilities for the future. She said it was too soon to comment on the likely outcome of discussions.
‘I can give you all sorts of personal opinions about what could happen but they are, at this stage, not based on any evidence of what is achievable or realistic,’ she said.
