THE Jersey Development Company will be looking for a cinema operator that “fits” its designs for a new facility as part of revamped plans for the Waterfront.
An “independent” specialist has been brought in to help JDC decide.
The States-owned entity’s revised vision for a major transformation of the Waterfront is currently open to public scrutiny – with new plans due to be submitted next year.
Islanders are being invited to take part in a survey on the latest proposals via the JDC’s website until 4 December.
The previous iteration of the scheme was refused in September 2023, when a determining panel raised a number of concerns – which the JDC says have since been addressed.
In 2023, the JDC revealed that it agreed to waive some of Cineworld’s rent arrears debt “in return for a longer-term commitment”, with the franchise having suffered financially in the wake of the pandemic.
However, the updated Waterfront plans will include proposals for a new cinema provision, as well as a new outdoor pool, gym, art gallery and cafés and restaurants.
Mr Henry said the JDC did not currently have a preference as to who would operate the new cinema if the plans were approved.
He explained: “What we are doing at the moment is we are engaging with a specialist to provide advice on the size of the facility, the number of screens, the size of the theatres – but they are an independent firm.
“Once that is settled, and if the community respond positively to that, we will then engage with the market.”
Mr Henry continued: “What we want to ensure is what we’re designing fits with an operator.
“So we will, in all likelihood, be bringing onboard those operators earlier to ensure that we’ve got an operator attached to a plan.”
He added that this would “potentially” involve a tender process.
