PLANS for a revitalised Fort Regent – complete with cinema, multi-purpose concert hall, BMX ‘pump track’ and ‘ninja-style’ play area – are on track, with an application to replace the skin of its landmark roof expected to be submitted by the end of next month.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan told an Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel recently that the application – to replace glazing and the roof membrane – would be sent to Planning in November and an application for the internal spaces, along with a third application for the external landscaping, would be in by the end of the year.
Mr Jehan added that new Fort would continue to have a nursery school, and the existing provision would be retained while the new school is being built.
He said: “We are also talking to a range of people outside of the organisation, including cinema operators, people who will help us with the concert hall and outdoor initiatives; there is lots of dialogue going on.
“I think our partner, the Jersey Development Company should be congratulated for the work they have done to date.”
It is expected that asbestos in the building will be stripped out in the first quarter of next year, and the roof work, if approved, will start next summer.
The demolition of internal structures will take place next year and the fit-out will take place over 2027-2028. The target reopening date is December 2028.
If approved, the rotunda will get a first floor, to include a bowling alley, six-screen cinema, including two 200-seaters.
The Gloucester Hall will be enclosed in an acoustic box to improve the sound quality in its 2,000-seat auditorium.
The government has said it will borrow £43m next year to fund the project.
