PORTS of Jersey is taking the “first formal step” towards transforming a once-popular haunt for fishermen, sailors and harbour workers – as the States-owned entity seeks to progress plans to develop a hotel on the site of the former La Folie Inn.
Potential partners to deliver the “heritage-led, hospitality-focused redevelopment” are being invited to formally express their interest in the project.
This follows an initial phase of “informal engagement”, during which Ports held discussions with a range of interested parties “to gauge market appetite and gather early insights”.
It also comes in the wake of a market study exploring “commercially viable” uses for the site, which covers around 3,000 square metres and includes the listed former pub.
In a statement on Friday, Ports of Jersey said that the redevelopment – which will bring La Folie and South Pier House back into public use – will see the development of a 160-room hotel, while “enhancing the waterfront experience” and “protecting some of the harbour’s most historically significant buildings”.
“The initiative forms part of the wider Harbour Master Plan, which sets out a long-term vision to create a more vibrant, accessible, and economically active harbour environment – while safeguarding and celebrating Jersey’s maritime heritage,” the statement continued.
It explained that structured feedback is now being sought from hospitality operators, developers, investors, and design teams, with the aim of identifying partners “capable of delivering a development that is commercially robust, architecturally sensitive, and grounded in a strong sense of place”.
The process will remain open for submissions until 22 January, after which Ports will review the responses with a view to progressing “the competitive process to select a development partner”.
Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas said that this “first formal step” represented “an important moment for the future of the harbour”.
“La Folie and Merchants’ Quay hold enormous cultural and historical value for Islanders, and this is our opportunity to restore those buildings and create a vibrant new destination for residents and visitors,” he stated.
“We are looking for partners who understand the importance of heritage, who can deliver outstanding hospitality and public spaces, and who share our ambition to bring this part of the waterfront back to life.”
La Folie has deteriorated significantly since it was closed over two decades ago. Numerous proposals for the site’s future have been brought forward over the years, but nothing has come to fruition.
