AMBITIOUS plans to rejuvenate a dilapidated St Helier pub – potentially including a 150-room hotel – have received “encouraging interest” from prospective development partners, according to Ports of Jersey.
The former La Folie Inn has sat empty for more than two decades as the once-popular haunt has been left to ruin.
There have been numerous tentative proposals to breathe new life into the site, but nothing has come to fruition.
Ports of Jersey announced a procurement process in July, following a market study exploring “commercially viable” uses for the site – which covers around 3,000 square metres and includes the listed former pub.
At the time, Ports cited “early insights” that suggested it could accommodate a hotel with around 125 to 150 guest rooms and stated that it would “work closely with planners, heritage bodies and the Government of Jersey to ensure any development is aligned with community and policy expectations”.
In an update, a spokesperson for the States-owned entity said: “We’ve seen encouraging interest in La Folie and are currently progressing through the pre-market engagement process.”
It added that a further update would be provided following the conclusion of the process at the end of the month.
Ports of Jersey has previously stressed that the 18th-century La Folie Inn “holds a special place in Islanders’ memories” and will be “central” to the area’s future.
Once a popular haunt for fishermen, sailors and harbour workers, the pub has remained vacant since its closure in 2004.
The plans to revive La Folie form part of a wider regeneration programme to transform St Helier Harbour.
Unveiled in 2022, the Harbour Master Plan also seeks to consolidate freight and passenger marine operations into “purpose-built, sustainable facilities” while improving pedestrian access and connectivity with the town centre, as well as creating public spaces along the waterfront.
Construction work to reconfigure the Elizabeth Harbour is due to start next year and last until winter 2028.
