New direction sought for Fort Regent

A new strategy for plans and a consultation, which will guide the redevelopment of Fort Regent, are being published today (Thursday 21 November).

 

Rediscovering Fort Regent is a strategy document, which has been brought forward by a steering group that has been working since the middle of 2012 to find the way forward for the centre.

 

It outlines six key areas of agreement from the steering group, including:

The document also provides details of activity that has already been approved and has funding to take place during 2014, including the demolition of the existing pool site, essential maintenance work, and also the provision of some new, and also the existing, ongoing activities.

 

The plan also provides details of a consultation that will be running over the next six months, in order to ask existing users, the wider community and local suppliers what they would like to see for Fort Regent in terms of the access, changes to the interior and also the exterior of the centre.

  

Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Eddie Noel, said "The aim of the Fort Regent Steering Group is to produce a comprehensive business case, by the end of 2014, in order to seek funding in the 2016 - 2019 Medium Term Financial Plan for the regeneration of the centre. We know that there is no single solution for reinvigorating Fort Regent; we will need a series of combined activities and actions to create the critical mass of visitors needed to ensure its ongoing viability. This is a challenging and difficult project, but the current steering group are determined to finally find a way forward.”

 

Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Rod Bryans, commented "Fort Regent is one of the States of Jersey's biggest sports and fitness facilities and home to more than 46 different community activities. It has served the people of this Island well and remains a crucial part of the Island’s infrastructure. We must give it the opportunity to thrive again for future generations.”

 

Rediscovering Fort Regent was presented to States Members on 21 November and to Fort Regent staff, who have been involved in the development of the document, on 22 November.

 

The public will have their first opportunity to learn more about the plans and also how they can get involved in the consultation on 24 November at the Fort Regent open day.

 

In the New Year, through the consultation, there will also be a chance for people to provide commentary and feedback via the gov.je website, at public briefings and through different social media channels. Meanwhile, you can give your views on Fort Regent by emailing Fort Regent.