THE Jersey Hospitality Association has said it stands ready to help test private-sector interest in Fort Regent as ministers prepare to decide the next steps for the site – after rising costs prompted a reassessment of the latest plans.
The JHA issued a statement saying that it was “deeply disappointed, though sadly not surprised” by the recent update from Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf.
Deputy Renouf said that the government was using the coming months to “properly assess” options for the future use and regeneration of the Fort, while establishing the cost of essential work required to repair and secure the building.
The minister also said that an external specialist adviser will be appointed amid efforts to determine whether there is “meaningful private-sector interest”, to help ensure any further investment in the public asset is “affordable, represents good value for Islanders and takes account of opportunities for private-sector involvement”.
It marks yet another change of pace in a saga that has seen multiple governments unveil major schemes to revive the ageing site, with the latest vision – announced by the previous Council of Ministers in 2025 – carrying an estimated £110 million price tag.
In response to a written question from Deputy Alex Curtis published earlier this week, Deputy Renouf noted that the initial cost associated with the programme “was identified two years ago, and prior to full feasibility and design works concluding”.
He added that: “Cost increases arising as a natural progression of the programme, for example inflationary pressures, design changes and safety requirements were compounded by risks unforeseen ahead of the pre-election period such as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.”
On Tuesday, Deputy Renouf cited multiple workstreams that “are expected to provide ministers with the information required to consider the next stage of the project around the middle of 2027”.
He stated that the new Council of Ministers “has to consider Fort Regent alongside the many other demands on public finances”.
The JHA stated yesterday that it was “deeply disappointed, though sadly not surprised, to learn that the redevelopment of Fort Regent has been paused because of rising costs, with ministers not expected to consider its future until around the middle of 2027”.
The statement continued: “The Association has consistently supported the case for a conference and events venue in Jersey, and the benefits of event-led tourism set out in the government’s own Visitor Economy Strategy, and we welcomed the opportunity to have the plans presented to our committee.
“We also welcomed the Investing in Jersey 2026 to 2050 plan when it was published last year, saying at the time that its success would depend on delivery.
“Unfortunately, despite widespread public support for the plans at Fort Regent, the vision presented to Islanders last year was never matched by a budget that could deliver it.”
However, JHA also went on to welcome Deputy Renouf’s “openness in setting out the position” and said that it was “ready to contribute to testing private-sector interest in the site, drawing on the commercial experience the Association and its members have that this next stage will need”.
“We have ideas we would welcome the chance to share with ministers.”
