First Historic Tower ready for use as holiday let - wholehearted support from Senator Philip Ozouf

14 June 2006

First Historic Tower ready for use as holiday let – wholehearted support from Senator Philip Ozouf.

Fort Leicester at Bouley Bay, one of the first sites earmarked for restoration by the Jersey Heritage Trust under the States Forts and Towers project will be ready in time for Easter when its first staying visitors arrive.

The media are invited to view Fort Leicester at 10:00 on Thursday 13 April.

Commenced in 2004 several bodies have been involved in the Forts and Towers project. The Historic Buildings Review Group, with representatives from Planning, Transport and Technical Services, Tourism and JHT were charged with assessing how a number of the Island’s historic forts and fortifications could be better managed and made accessible to locals and visitors. As a result of the group’s conclusions, in 2005, the Tourism Development Fund voted £250,000 to refurbish five historic sites.

Senator Philip Ozouf, Economic Development Minister said “if there was ever an appropriate time to use the expression: “win win” - this is it. A win for a collection of unique States properties desperately in need of maintenance and care. A win for the islanders and our visitors to gain access to staggeringly special locations and a win for our culture and heritage as it creates an endless range of opportunities for Jersey to show off her fascinating history and natural beauty to the outside world…a very exciting project that is already proving to be successful”

The 1836 Fort, which can sleep up to eight people, has taken just eight weeks to restore at a cost of around £70,000. A further £12,000 has been spent on fitting it out. An Open Day for members of the public is to be held from 10am to 4pm on the Wednesday after Easter, 19 April.

The fort will be available for let all year round. It is fully booked during this year’s high season but there is availability during the shoulder and winter months. The public will be able to make bookings during the Open Day on 19 April. Other Open Days have been organised later in the year at Barge Aground and the Corbière Radio Tower.

For comment: Senator Philip Ozouf. Economic Development, Minister. Tel: 500700 or 07797713838

Or: Beth Lloyd, Head of Business Development. Direct dial telephone: 633315