The Deputy Chief Minister has revealed he has “reservations” about some aspects of recently-announced plans to redevelop Fort Regent – and said there is “room for fine tuning” regarding the project.
Deputy Tom Binet also acknowledged the “substantial” cost of the latest vision for the historic site, which includes plans for a rooftop bar, six-screen cinema, indoor climbing wall, 2,500-seat acoustic theatre in Gloucester Hall, plus a hotel.
The government has said the cost of the redevelopment is estimated at £110 million, excluding the new hotel which will be privately funded.
But several politicians last week questioned how the funds to meet the project’s estimated £110m price tag will be sourced.
This included concerns over a lack of detail surrounding ‘Project Breakwater’, which Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham has previously said would “aim to deliver substantial long overdue investment into the island’s public realm, including Fort Regent”.
I, personally, have reservations about some aspects and will be feeding this back to the team
Deputy Chief Minister Tom Binet
In a statement, Deputy Binet said: “Having underinvested in several areas in recent times, Jersey needs to endorse an imaginative reinvestment programme, designed to bring people to the island to work and to live, to visit, and for businesses to invest and/or relocate.”
He continued: “The sums involved in the refurbishment of the Fort are substantial and, given the volatile climate in which we currently find ourselves, I believe this project should be undertaken as part of the wider, integrated Jersey Reinvestment Programme (previously named Breakwater Project) that has been under development for over a year.”
Deputy Binet added that the Government has to strike “a difficult balance” in generating additional income and economic benefit, noting that areas such as health “still require considerable additional funding”.
“The Fort Regent project is in the early stages and now out for consultation so there is room for fine tuning,” he added.
“I, personally, have reservations about some aspects and will be feeding this back to the team. I would also encourage the public to get involved and submit their views.”
Asked for comment by Express, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said: “These are long-overdue proposals to revitalise Fort Regent and we look forward to hearing islanders’ views through the consultation process.”
HAVE YOUR SAY…
Details of the full proposals for Fort Regent can be viewed online, and the independent public survey can also be filled out online. It is open until Sunday 18 May.
A public presentation will be held on 22 April at the Pomme d’Or Hotel from 17:30 where islanders can ask questions and provide feedback. You can register your attendance via Eventbrite.
The results of the consultation will be published in June.