Farewell - for now - to the Fort

Jersey has said farewell - for now - to Fort Regent.

The complex has closed its doors, and now awaits a promised transformation into a 'premier leisure destination'.

Plans were unveiled in April, including a 2,500 seater acoustic theatre, skate park, running track, bowling alley and rooftop bar.

Read: Rooftop bar, climbing wall and concert hall in £110m Fort Regent plans

The venue has been the subject of fierce debate for decades, with several iterations of redevelopment proposals drawn up by successive governments.

The gym there closed in May 2023, and sports clubs have gradually been moved out to leave the ageing building, which in need of significant repairs, vacant.

Many of the clubs are moving into Oakfield Community Sports Centre, which opens this month.

The popular Fort Adventures children's playzone closed this week.  A new indoor play area has opened today on Jersey's Waterfront to replace it.

Read: Soft play on Jersey's Waterfront to open on 1 October

Last week, the Infrastructure Minister told a scrutiny hearing an initial planning application for Fort Regent is likely to be submitted by the of November.

There is a target date for completion of December 2028.

Andy Jehan said new facilities won't be reliant on any revenue from a potential hotel.

£43 million has been earmarked in next year's budget to begin the transformation.

Active, which operates Jersey's government-owned gyms paid its own tribute to the Fort this week:

"Built into a Napoleonic fortress overlooking St Helier, Fort Regent has been more than just a sports facility, it’s been a cornerstone of Jersey’s active lifestyle and community spirit since it was reimagined and converted into a leisure facility in the 1980s.

"From badminton and basketball to netball and five-a-side football, the multi-purpose sports hall echoed with the energy of countless games, training sessions, and tournaments.

"The Active gym, once bustling with members striving for fitness and wellbeing, stood as a beacon of health in the heart of the island and the Fort Adventures Playzone brought joy to generations of children, making Fort Regent a place for all ages.

"As we turn the page, we honour the past. Fort Regent was more than bricks and mortar, it was a place where friendships were forged, goals were achieved, and community thrived. It will be missed, but its spirit will carry on in every new sports hall, every match played, and every child who discovers the joy of movement.

We are excited to see where the plans for future investment take Fort Regent, and are hopeful its walls will host activities that bring joy to future generations of islanders in the years to come! 

Thank you, Fort Regent."