2 days ago
Overwhelming Jersey public support for £110 million Fort Regent plans, survey finds
A multi-purpose concert hall and a six-screen cinema have been voted the most popular features in the Government of Jersey 's £110 million plans to redevelop Fort Regent into a "premier leisure and entertainment hub".
It comes after a large survey, commissioned by the Jersey Development Company, found there is widespread public support for the proposals.
Almost 90% of the more than 6,000 residents, visitors and students who responded are satisfied with the ideas to transform the area.
Accessibility from St Helier to Fort Regent was highlighted as a key area of concern, with 98% wanting improvements.
What are people most excited about?
Those who chose to take part in the survey were asked to answer a multiple-choice question on which proposed spaces they are most excited about.
A multi-purpose concert hall came out on top after being backed by 71% of respondents, with a six-screen cinema ranking second at 59%.
Bowling was championed by 46% of those surveyed, and a Ninja Warrior-style soft play, climbing, bouldering and sky trail rated at 43%.
At the other end of the scale, just 16% were excited by a pump track - a type of track for high-intensity cycling and other wheeled activities.
What else do people want?
A swimming pool was the most requested new feature (8%), followed by calls to keep existing sports facilities (5%).
Other ideas that were put forward include a roller-skating rink, go-kart track, casino, waterpark, nightclub, padel courts, and a ski slope.
Did opinions change among different groups?
Well, despite overall public support, only 28% of respondents aged 55 and over were satisfied with the plans - that is compared to 94% of students.
Those with a higher household income were more likely to report being 'very satisfied'.
On the proposed cable car from town to Fort Regent, more than nine in ten say they would use the service, with most prepared to spend up to £3 per trip.
Jersey's Infrastructure Minister, Connétable Andy Jehan, says: "The response to the Fort Regent survey is nothing short of remarkable and sends a clear message: islanders and visitors are ready for this transformation.
"With nearly 90% satisfaction across the board and even higher among our young people, it shows there is a strong desire for a new era at the Fort.
"This vision has been shaped by the community, and it's encouraging to see such widespread support. We now have a mandate to move forward confidently, creating a vibrant, inclusive and accessible destination that meets the needs of future generations while respecting the Fort's historic significance."
Lee Henry, Chief Executive Officer of the Jersey Development Company, adds: "This is an overwhelming response from the community and we look forward to working with the Government on advancing the regeneration of the Fort so that it once again delivers significant all-weather amenities for islanders and visitors.
"Presentations were given to almost 2,000 secondary school students and the feedback was extremely positive, with fewer than 5% using the Fort today, and virtually all confirming that they would regularly use the regenerated Fort if this vision was delivered."
