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A States-commissioned report has recommended the closure of "ticking time bomb" Fort Regent, calling for a new all-purpose facility by 2027.
The report was authored by consultants Knight Kavanagh and Page and aimed to assess Jersey's requirements for indoor and outdoor sports facilities and how they should be managed.
Following extensive research and consideration of all the island's sports facilities - ranging from dedicated centres to schools - the report made a series of recommendations, which included closing Fort Regent.
The report expressed concerns over the current and future condition of the facility, which also hosts large-scale events such as concerts and comedy shows, as well as suggesting that Aquasplash could be improved upon.
Senator Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Sport & Culture, has published a report setting out Jersey’s sports facilities' possible future. The report makes several strategic recommendations to improve Jersey’s sports offering https://t.co/2Qq7JrSKZs pic.twitter.com/vVTVqF6ODW
— States of Jersey (@StatesofJersey) January 22, 2019
It was suggested that the two make way instead for a new large, wet and dry sports and sports events centre in St Helier to be put in place by 2027, and that alternative uses for Fort Regent are investigated.
It also proposed that the States consider creating an island stadium for football and rugby, as well as developing a sports facility in the east of the island and creating a seafront watersports facility.
Senator Steve Pallett, Assistant Minster with responsibility for sport and a vocal supporter of regenerating Fort Regent, commented: "As part of the recently approved Common Strategic Policy, Jersey’s government is committed to both putting children first and to improving islanders’ wellbeing, both mentally and physically. To achieve this, it’s vitally important that Jersey has fit-for-purpose sports and leisure facilities. This report provides the basis for more detailed planning to deliver these facilities.
“A new political oversight group is being established to oversee the development of a comprehensive sports facilities strategy for the island, and the next step is for us to consider the report’s recommendations.”
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