The latest proposals include a hotel, improved access via a lift from Snow Hill to a Skyway and viewing platform, an escalator from Pier Road and a new pool facility. They are the latest in a discussion which has been ongoing since 1999 when the States approved, in principle, the redevelopment of the Fort.

The two most commonly raised issues when talking about Fort Regent have been access and the derelict pool. Both of these are addressed in the document produced by the steering group, “Rediscovering Fort Regent: A Vision for the Future”. Whilst reintroducing cable cars or another funicular system are deemed impractical because of the costs to install, maintain and operate, the group has instead proposed two 24-person lifts from Snow Hill which will link into a Skyway and viewing platform.

The viewing platform and walkway will have a glass floor and specialist lighting which will make use of the outside areas of the Fort that are currently under-used and at the same time create a new attraction. It’s hoped that this will be publicly funded, with opportunities for sponsorship. It’s also proposed that access from Pier Road car park is improved.

Various new ‘zones’ are proposed, including a Teenage/extreme sports area which will provide skateboarding, and the refurbishment of the old cafe building. The current skateboard park at the North Quay would then be closed. A Family zone would see the play area and nursery being relocated and an outdoor play facility created. The teenage zone would be publicly funded, whilst the family area will continue to be provided by the private sector.

The steering group said they “will have to consider carefully whether the Island needs an additional publicly funded 25-metre pool”, which could mean that although they might consider some “wet” sport at the Fort, there won’t be a return to a large pool facility on the site.

The external areas of the Fort come in for some extensive proposals. They include a sculpture trail, trim trail, running circuit and a temporary event space with the potential for a restaurant to be built on the site. There is also the suggestion of an arts and culture area including a permanent gallery space and theatre and the development of a 2,000 square foot conference and exhibition arena.

The current disused swimming pool site is being touted as a 120 bed  hotel facility.

Anyone who thinks that this is the final stages of the discussion around what to do with Fort Regent will be disappointed. It was back in 1999 that the States agreed to redevelop the Fort and ten years later when the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel presented a report which further supported its redevelopment. A year later the steering group was set up and in its November 2011 report promised to develop a master plan for the development of the Fort by March 2012.

This latest vision statement invites the public to again give their feedback. Deputy Eddie Noel, Chairman of the Fort Regent Steering Group, says the next steps are to develop a business case to secure funding in the 2016-2019 Medium Term Financial Plan. It means Jersey is still many years off seeing any significant redevelopment of the Fort 15 years after the decision was taken.

Fort Regent was sold to the States of Jersey in 1958, and in 1967 it was decided to convert it into a multi-purpose leisure centre. The swimming pool was closed in 2003