Over the past three decades, Fort Regent has seen more government consultations, strategy groups and attempted rebrands than most institutions manage in a century. Ambitious idea after idea has come and gone, and still the once iconic island destination lies mostly empty and unchanged.

Now, with the Government’s latest £110 million vision unveiled yesterday – complete with cable cars, cinema screens, and a rooftop bar by the end of 2028 – islanders are once again being asked, “What do you want Fort Regent to be?”

While there is a small dose of newness, many of the latest ideas will leave islanders with a sense of déjà-vu… So, Express decided to throw a wildcard into the mix.

Without a multi-million budget for consultants, we turned to the next best thing (or worst, depending on your view) for an alternative perspective.

Express asked AI to come up with five ideas for resurrecting the venue – here’s what it dreamed up, and how the concepts compare to reality…

The AI-deas…

1. A luxury hillside spa and wellness retreat

Cut into the rock face with infinity pools and saunas, this luxury spa would apparently “attract high-net-worth tourists, influencers, and wellness seekers from around the world”.

Involving a boutique hotel with healthy dining options, the vision includes a geothermal outdoor pool, cliffside hot tubs, a yoga deck, and spa facilities carved into the existing structure.

“Think silent meditation retreats, cold plunges with sea views, and champagne facials – all while boosting local hospitality and creating jobs,” it said.

2. A biodiversity dome and climate research centre

Perhaps tapping into Jersey’s conservation roots via Durrell and its drive towards net-zero, while also providing an alternative to the seemingly doomed dome, this AI proposal reimagines Fort Regent as a “dramatic glass geodesic dome, housing rare plants, vertical gardens, and climate-controlled research labs”.

Our robo-consultant advises that the new dome could “host exhibitions, school visits, and international research partnerships, making it a flagship sustainability centre for the island”, in turn creating “skilled green jobs and research links”, while “boosting eco-tourism, and offering a compelling destination for off-season visits”.

3. A retro-futurist cultural venue

This concept “revives Fort Regent as Jersey’s creative heartbeat”, we’re told.

Turn the dome into a multi-venue cultural centre with a retro-futurist twist – think indie cinemas, immersive theatre, a speakeasy bar and VR exhibitions.

“Perfect for locals and tourists alike, it could host film festivals, gigs, and youth programming year-round.”

4. A skypark with co-working and rooftop gardens

“Imagine a leafy urban escape where locals can work, eat, play and connect,” says our AI adviser.

Under this concept, Fort Regent would become an elevated public park with co-working pods, outdoor cafés, allotments, event spaces and panoramic garden walks.

The lower level becomes a “flexible innovation hub for start-ups”, which would feature “sustainable materials, solar panels and high-speed fibre” to make it “the perfect setting for tech talent and remote workers”.

The benefit, it says, is that Jersey will get “to attract new residents and diversify the economy – without losing the view”.

5. A hot air terminal

“A bonkers but brilliant tourism draw with zero carbon emissions”… if it does say so itself.

“Fort Regent becomes the world’s first cliff-top luxury hot air balloon terminal. Visitors board brightly coloured balloons from converted launch pads overlooking the town and enjoy scenic (and silent) journeys over the island.

“Pair it with a champagne bar, observation deck and gift shop, and it becomes a must-do experience.”

What’s actually happening?

While some of the ideas might seem outlandish, there are some areas of overlap with the real-life plans.

A privately funded hotel has been proposed for the site of the former swimming pool – though whether it comes with a luxury spa or “champagne facials” (whatever those are) remains to be seen.

Elements of nature and heritage have been included too, with plans for walking trails around the ramparts and a rooftop park.

Bowling alleys, a cinema, e-gaming, and virtual reality zones all feature in the official proposals – so a ‘retro-futurist cultural hub’ could certainly be a go-er, if designers fancy branding it that way.

GALLERY: Concept images from JDC/Government – click to enlarge.

And there might not be hot air balloons, but another form of aerial transport is on the cards – the return of cable cars.

The Jersey Development Company envisages a connection between the Fort and “town/the Waterfront, offering visitors breathtaking views over St Helier and St Aubin’s Bay” and islanders are being asked whether they would be up for paying up to £5 per trip, and how often they might use the cable cars.

You can read more about the proposals – and the many iterations that came before – in more detail below and share your feedback here.