Opera House investment

13 October 2022

​Jersey’s Opera House building is to be fully, rather than partially, restored – following the allocation of £11.5 million in funding over two years. 

Subject to States Assembly approval, the money identified in the Government Plan for 2023 and 2024, will ensure that the restoration of the Grade 2 listed building includes not only emergency work essential to its reopening, but also important work which will ensure it remains open as Jersey’s flagship theatre for years to come. 

The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: “I am so pleased that my colleagues on the Council of Ministers share my commitment to the arts and the Opera House and have demonstrated this with this new and much needed investment. When the building opens, it will not only be safe but also fit for purpose long into the future. 

“While the restoration work is carried out, we will be working with the Opera House to ensure that the Island and arts community are kept updated and that a programme is created using alternative venues throughout the Island.” 

The Chair of Jersey Opera House Board Limited, Pierre Horsfall, said: “The Opera House is a much-loved venue not only in the performing arts community but for all islanders. A great deal of work has been happening behind the scenes to reach this point and I am delighted to see the Government commit to providing this much needed funding.” 

While the building remains closed, Government will work with the Opera House Board to ensure that events which could have been staged at the Opera House are held at other venues. 

In addition to this investment, a report into the future use of the Opera House and the arts ecosystem in Jersey has been published today: The Performing Arts Ecosystem of Jersey – Situation Analysis and Options Appraisal for the Jersey Opera House provides a set of proposals for how the venue might best be used. 

Deputy Morel said: “Jersey has a wide range of venues and we want to ensure that the Opera House plays a key role as a vital platform and hub for sector development. This report provides us with options which will be considered over time with the industry.”