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WQ.190/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BY DEPUTY D.J. WARR OF ST. HELIER SOUTH
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 28th APRIL 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 6th MAY 2025
Question
"Will the Minister explain why a phased approach, as previously proposed by the Future Fort programme, is not being undertaken for the delivery of the new plans to redevelop Fort Regent and what research, if any, has been undertaken to establish that a complete closure is the better option?"
Answer
The decision to close Fort Regent was taken and upheld by the last two Governments and was confirmed by the present Government.
In response to oral question 91/2025, I explained that a clear site will enable the regeneration of Fort Regent to be safer, quicker and more cost effective, enabling the reopening of a 21st century facility by the end of
2028.
Coordinating a phased approach for works to the fundamental operating systems would add significant complexity and cost to the work, which would almost certainly mean that large parts of the Fort would be closed to the public for longer.
As has been explained in Scrutiny and States Members briefings, and at a public meeting on 22nd April, the status of the Fort as a publicly accessible building is critical, and the closure of the facility could be mandated on any day due to critical infrastructure failure, including water and electrical systems, asbestos, and deterioration of the roof and glazing.
The operational infrastructure in the Fort is more than 50 years old and has been coaxed through the recent years. The electrical system is very fragile – if one of the 5 transformers fail, then a new transformer will be required as the original items are obsolete and not available. This will require new electrical distribution boards because modern protocols are different from the original standards. The new boards will require new wiring which, as the original wiring was set into the fabric of the structure, will probably disturb hazardous material. This would necessitate closure of the Fort anyway, but precipitate it in an unplanned way that will have a greater effect on those businesses trying to operate.
By closing the venue completely, management of unauthorised access is much easier. Anti-social behaviour issues around the site are increasing, but by excluding any public access, it will be easier to mitigate activities which could harm the structure and the individuals.
For these reasons, a full closure of the site, enabling a quicker re-opening, is deemed to be the best option for the public.