Survey finds Fort Regent plans backed by public

Plans to regenerate Fort Regent have been backed by 89% of people who responded to an independent survey on the site.

Conducted by research company 4insight, the survey captured feedback from more than 6,000 islanders and visitors, including students from all secondary schools, organisers said.

The research explored community perceptions of the proposals to regenerate Fort Regent into a site for leisure, socialising and entertainment.

Minister for Infrastructure Constable Andy Jehan said the response to the survey was "remarkable" and showed people were ready "for this transformation".

The £110m government proposal includes a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley and a six-screen cinema, which would be relocated from the waterfront.

There would also be a play area, virtual golf, e-gaming zones and a facility for climbing and bouldering, as well as places to eat and drink.

The survey found 89% of people aged 16 and over were satisfied with the proposed new activities at the site.

While that figure rose to 94% for people aged between 11 and 16 years old.

The survey asked responders to rate some of the planned features out of 10, with the concert hall having the highest rank of 8.7.

Improving accessibility was highlighted as a key priority, with 98% of respondents agreeing that better links from town to Fort Regent were important.

Some 91% of respondents backed the plans for the site to include a cable car link.

"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," said Jehan.

"This vision has been shaped by the community, and it's encouraging to see such widespread support."

He added: "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."

Concerns were raised about the future of sports clubs currently based at the site at a public meeting hosted by site developers the Jersey Development Company in April.

Jehan said he had taken the various concerns raised on board and would be looking for solutions.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].