Comment: Is the dome doomed?

Tuesday 23 October 2018

Fort Regent's 'glory days' are increasingly called upon in heartfelt pleas for its restoration. But consider this: it's now taken so long to decide the Fort's fate that there's an entire generation without a single 'glorious' memory of the space.

That's the experience of one local teen, who sincerely hopes that the dome isn't doomed.

Victoria College student Aidan Boyle (pictured top) shared his thoughts with Express...

""This used to be an amazing place to visit but due to bad management it's a rundown wreck." "Shadow of what it was back in the 70’s-90’s!"

You probably knew what these comments were referring to, without any help... They are, of course, all about Fort Regent.

It's gone from a place that used to be the best leisure centre in the island, to a falling apart piece of Jersey that one may have completely forgotten existed if it wasn’t for its prominence on the Jersey skyline.

As a 15-year-old, I have to rely on memories of the notorious dome held by those who were around before me. From what I can see and have heard, the Fort was a bustling hub for fairground rides, cable cars and a swimming pool which are not things I, personally, link to Fort Regent - but these are the main reasons it was so popular with the people who used it. 

It seems strange hearing people talking about the 'incredible Fort Regent' without knowing what they’re talking about. It seems like I have missed out on a great part of Jersey, being left with the dull, damaged building we have been left with in 2018. 

Something has to be done to restore the Fort and there is no escaping… it will be expensive!

Pictured: A renovation project would cost millions.

This is a massive commitment, but I believe letting it rot and wither away as a memory is something people will look back on and regret. 

There are so many faults with the building and surrounding areas that someone like myself standing from afar can see. We are still yet to hear about any positive possible changes to the area.

I don’t think the situation is beyond saving. There are positives that I have seen first-hand, like the Christmas ice rink. I have witnessed that as the novelty of an ice rink in Jersey has worn off, so has the popularity of it each Christmas time. This demonstrates again the lack of awareness by those in charge.

Pictured: The ice rink is starting to bore people, Aidan argues.

These things need to change and develop often if the Fort is to become successful.

People will not keep returning to the same old, boring Ice Rink when you can go to a flashy, new attraction in the UK far easier than you could in the 70’s. 

Once the necessary removal of the old, dangerous buildings is done, money will have to be pumped into the site to get it to a base level where changes can start to be made. Even if it requires closing for a period, any trace of asbestos or the likes have to be dealt with and made safe to gain back the confidence of the public.

Pictured: A previous Facebook post of an islander outlining his illness, which he believed was caused by asbestos in the Fort.

The amusements at the time were modern and exciting at the time and these would have to be renewed with the popular trends of today. The best way in getting this right is asking people.

If the States are to supply the money, a plan must be in place that they know people want. For example, the rebuilding of the swimming pool is a possibility, but if there is not enough demand it shouldn’t be considered.

These changes mentioned must begin soon otherwise this constant cycle we have witnessed over the last decade or so will continue to drag on.

So, States members, members of the public and whoever else can help make this happen, the Fort Regent needs your help now… before it turns into a museum!"

Aidan (15) is a Victoria College student on Trident work experience with Express.