Opera House Closed Until June 2023

The reopening of Jersey's Opera House has been pushed back by a whole year.

A new target date of June 2023 has been set for 'curtain up!'

The iconic building closed at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.

£2.2 million was set aside in the Fiscal Stimulus Fund to refurbish and maintain the Opera House, with the expectation that it would be open this summer.

There were long delays in appointing a project manager which pushed the scheme back.

After reviewing the situation, the team responsible for the work think another 18 months is needed to make sure the building is safe and fit for purpose.

The Assistant Minister with responsibility for the arts, Deputy Kirsten Morel, says he's truly sorry that it can't open for another year and a half.

"Until now, the work had been scheduled based on estimates, but now that experts have been able to fully review the condition surveys against the proposed schedule of works, we have a much clearer idea of the necessary time-frame.

There’s no doubt that this situation is frustrating for all islanders, and particularly those engaged in the performing arts, but the positive element of this news is that the new timescale comes with greater certainty.

Following the extensive refurbishment work, islanders will be able to enjoy going to the theatre in the knowledge that the building is safe, fit for purpose and that the improvements will make it a better building in which to both perform and enjoy theatrical performances."

"In the period between now and June of next year, I, as Assistant Minister, and officers in the Department for the Economy will continue to support the arts community, enabling a wide range of performances to take place in venues across the island. We will also regularly communicate the progress that is being made with the restoration.”

Because the project won't be finished before the end of June 2022, the money for the work will no longer come from the Fiscal Stimulus Fund.

That fund was introduced to pay for projects to boost Jersey's Covid-hit economy.

The organisations who bid for funding had to prove the work had a realistic chance of completion by the end of 2021.

Many projects have been given extensions to March 2022 because of the impact that the Omicron Covid-19 variant had towards the end of last year.

Three projects have until the end of June - including redevelopment projects at Springfield Stadium and the Jersey Arts Centre.

The money for the Jersey Opera House work will now come from 'alternative funding sources.'

Deputy Morel says the government is fully committed to refurbishing the building for islanders to enjoy long into the future.

"The building’s health and safety issues have accumulated over time and while the closure is frustrating, it is the only way to undertake the work and ensure we have a fantastic theatre for the long term.

I am working with officers and the Board of the Opera House to ensure we reopen with a great building and a structure for the theatre as a company, which ensures the building is no longer a burden."

"This will enable the island’s artists and musicians to produce great performances at the Opera House and audiences will be able to enjoy theatre and music of an international standard."

The delay in work starting at the Opera House has been heavily criticised by performing arts groups throughout the pandemic.

A revised agreement will be reached with the Opera House Board for the use and maintenance of the building during the next 18 months.

"It is some comfort that this disruption will result in us taking charge of a building which is fit for purpose, and that we will have a clear agreement between Government and the Board for the lease and ongoing maintenance of the building." - Pierre Horsfall, Chair of Jersey Opera House Board Ltd.