The provision of sports in Jersey and performance pathways for the island’s top athletes are set to be the topics of a special public hearing arranged amid public discussion about the closure of Fort Regent.

The Infrastructure Minister – who has oversight of sport policy and responsibility for sports facilities – will be questioned by the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel later this month.

The hearing has been arranged following the publication of plans to redevelop Fort Regent, and the transfer of sports groups which use the site to other facilities across the island.

Panel chair Deputy Montfort Tadier said: “Sport plays a significant role in the lives of many people in Jersey and naturally people are passionate about what the island has to offer in this area.

“Since the Government revealed its plans for the future of Fort Regent, there has been a lot of public and social discussion about the impact its closure will have on the clubs and organisations which currently use it.

“While the Government has outlined plans to transfer many of these to other facilities across the island, concerns have been raised by some about the suitability of the chosen venues and the long-term plans.”

He added: “This summer, the island’s top sportswomen and men will represent Jersey at the Island Games in Orkney.

“It is a tournament in which Jersey has had huge success in the past, and I am sure it will be the same again this year.

“It is important, therefore, that we ensure that our sports clubs – whether they be at the grassroots level or supporting top athletes – have the appropriate infrastructure, support and funding in place.”

HAVE YOUR SAY…

Sports clubs and individual athletes are invited to submit their questions and comments via email to scrutiny@gov.je. The closing date for submissions is Friday 6 June 2025.

A pop-up stand will also be held at Charing Cross on Friday 6 June from 12:00 to 13:30 for islanders to share their views in person.

The hearing is due to take place on Thursday 12 June in the Le Capelain Room in the States building.

Members of the public are welcome to attend in person, and it will also be streamed online via the States Assembly website and on YouTube.