Fort Regent - future use - Ministerial response - 21 December 2009

Findings

Comments

1

FINDING 1: 4.1.3

The  Panel  found  that  there  was  no  current  formal  and ongoing  dialogue  between  the  Department  for  Education, Sport  and  Culture,  Property  Holdings  and  the  Jersey Heritage Trust. The Panel was concerned that this would contribute  to  a  neglect  and  deterioration  of  the  historical features of Fort Regent.

This is not accepted

Dialogue does take place between ESC and JPH on all property matters including Fort Regent and it is accepted that the future of the whole site needs to be considered by both parties. Any development proposals will need to consider the views of all interested parties including JHT. This process will ensure that historical features of the premises will be taken into  account  as  and  when  any  development  is  proposed. Furthermore  any  future development of Fort Regent will need to be considered as part of the resource allocation process which covers all of the States Estate

2

FINDING 2: 4.2.1

As a tenant the Department of Education Sport and Culture has implemented and maintains an impressive Sports and Leisure Facility despite the physical constraints of the Site. However, it is evident to the Panel that there is a lack of clarity  between  each  Stakeholder  as  to  their  individual responsibilities for Fort Regent.

Recognition of the work done by ESC is noted. It is not accepted that there is lack of clarity between stakeholders although it is recognised that departments place a different emphasis on their roles and responsibilities.

3

FINDING 3: 4.2.2

The  existing  website  for  Fort  Regent  is  currently  housed within the  States  of Jersey  website.   The  Department  of Education,  Sport  and  Culture  is  working  with  Information Services to develop an improved website and on-line booking system across the cultural bodies, with completion scheduled

It is agreed that the progress has been  slow in this area however the department is confident that on line bookings for shows and events will be in place early in the New Year.

for the end of 2009. It is the Panel's opinion that progress on revamping this system has been too slow.

4

FINDING 4: 4.2.3

Since the conversion from Pay and Play to the Active Card Scheme the Department of Education, Sport and Culture has recorded a marked increase in the number of people that participate on a regular basis. This has not only benefited Fort Regent as a Leisure Facility but the community as a whole.

The finding is noted and agreed.

5

FINDING 5: 4.2.4

The  Department  of  Education,  Sport  and  Culture  has reinvested revenue gained through the success of the Active Card  Scheme.   Evidence  of  this is  apparent  in the  new reception area and fitness section. Energy Efficiencies have been  implemented  throughout  the  site  and  form  an environmentally compatible policy in line with the Strategic Plan 2009 – 2014.

The finding is noted and agreed.

6

FINDING 6: 4.2.5

While there is evidence of a steady decline in Conferences held at Fort Regent over the last five years, expansion of concert/entertainment  events  has  proved  successful. However, the multi-use nature of facilities at the Fort has meant that increasing levels of demand brought about by this rise in the number of events, has placed enormous pressure on both Sports Clubs and Centre Staff.

The finding is noted, Due to the multi use nature of facilities coupled with increasing levels of demand it is acknowledged that for those responsible in managing the facility to best benefit as many people as possible certain pressures are inevitable.

7

FINDING 7: 4.2.7

The success of the Active Card Scheme has enabled the Department of Education, Sport and Culture to provide a service  to  the  community  through  promotion  of  Social Inclusion. By way of example, the Exercise Referral Scheme is currently making a significant contribution to the well being of many islanders who would otherwise be costing the States of Jersey much more in the long term.

The finding is noted and agreed.

8

FINDING 8: 4.2.8

In spite of what must be acknowledged as a lack-lustre' catering experience, perhaps in terms of setting rather than choice,  the reality  is  the  existing  catering  does meet the demands of the restricted group of mums and toddlers, who currently use it.

The finding is noted.

9

FINDING 9: 4.2.9

The  Panel  believes  that  it  is  not  currently  appropriate  to actively advertise the Fort as a tourist destination whilst it remains limited by way of things to do or see there.

The finding is noted and agreed. This issue needs to be considered in the development of an overall plan for Fort Regent and the surrounding area.

10

FINDING 10: 4.3.1

The  Panel  found  that  conditions  agreed  during  the development  of  the  AquaSplash  Leisure  Facility  fatally undermined the future of the Fort Regent Swimming Pool, as a  family  based  Leisure  Centre,  and  ensured  that  no swimming facility could be redeveloped at the Fort.

It is accepted that following the decision to provide a leisure pool on the waterfront no public swimming facility can be provided at the Fort.

11

FINDING 11: 4.3.1

A lack of strategic planning by the States of Jersey, at that time,  meant  little  consideration  was  given  to  the consequences of closure of the Fort Regent Pool, which has subsequently hamstrung any development across the site. The Panel agrees that closure of the pool was a fundamental mistake, which has had an unquestionably negative impact on footfall at Fort Regent.

Whilst it is agreed that there has been a negative impact on the footfall it is not accepted that  the  closure  was  a  fundamental mistake.  The need  for a leisure  pool facility was identified and, following advice that it was no longer viable to maintain the Fort Regent Pool, decisions were made to incorporate a tank in the building of the  pool on the waterfront. It should  be  noted  that there  are  more  than  adequate  swimming  facilities  in  the  Island provided by both the public and private sector.

12

FINDING 12: 4.3.1

Currently there is a distinct failure by the States to address the redevelopment of the swimming pool site and agree to any future plans.

It is accepted that progress has been slow in identifying a suitable use for the old swimming pool site as it hasn't been considered a priority. Work has however been undertaken by JPHD in order to determine ways of moving this forward.

13

FINDING 13: 4.3.3

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture and Jersey Property  Holdings  (JPHD)  are  both  responsible for  the internal and external upkeep of the site. In the last year the maintenance schedule agreed between the Departments has highlighted  that  Fort  Regent  remains  a  low maintenance priority for JPHD.

The finding is accepted but it must be recognised that JPHD have significant demands on their limited resource which is hampering progress in many areas.

14

FINDING 14: 4.3.4

Following the closure of many of the activities located around the Ramparts, they were left to deteriorate to such an extent that it was essential to close off several of the areas due to the risk they posed to members of the public. Closure of these facilities has, in turn, reduced Fort Regent's market share. The Centre has become less public facing and lost its attraction to families

The decision to close many of the facilities was based on the fact that they were old and needed significant reinvestment. As a result a significant reduction in the annual revenue budget required to support activities at the Fort has been achieved allowing ESC to focus on the primary use as a sports, leisure and entertainment centre. It is accepted that improving access to the Fort is one of the key elements which need to be addressed in any future redevelopment.

15

FINDING 15: 5.1.3

Despite recommendations in previous reports and feasibility studies over the past ten years, there have been no attempts to  pursue  Public  Private  Partnerships  for  development purposes.   Conflicting  arguments  were  submitted  with regards to the possibility of Commercial Development at Fort Regent.   However,  the  most  favoured  opinion  was  that inviting private partners would be beneficial to developing certain aspects such as a moderately priced hotel.

It is agreed that at present there has been limited consensus as to the future of the Fort. The development of a single agreed plan for the whole site will enable progress to be made in this area. Approaches have been made to Leisure providers in the past but to date there has been no firm interest from Private Public Partnerships in developing Fort Regent.

This  issue  will  need  to  be  considered  together  with  appropriate  funding  being  made available prior to bringing forward future proposals for the site.

16

FINDING 16: 5.1.4

In the search for a department or person responsible for development at Fort Regent, the Panel concluded that there was no clear political or officer accountability. The absence of a Champion' for Fort Regent was thought to be one of the explanations for  the  deterioration  of the  site.  The  Panel believed that future development of the Fort requires much greater political motivation in order for progress to be made.

It is agreed that greater political motivation is needed to progress any future development. Although there  has  been  some  deterioration  of  the  site  there  has  been  significant development of the internal aspect of Fort Regent which has supported the success that has been achieved and recognised by the panel.

17

FINDING 17: 5.1.5

Interpretation  and  care  of  the  historic  fabric  has  been substandard to date. Lack of consultation with the Jersey Heritage Trust and failure to address recommendations in the Conservation  Statement  by  Antony  Gibb  has  meant  a continued absence of comprehensive historical interpretation.

The finding is noted. This issue is one of many that needs to be taken into account in future development  opportunities.  The  views  of  all  interested  parties  including  JHT  will  be considered in any future proposals for the site.

18

FINDING 18: 5.1.6

The  Panel  reviewed  past  reports  and  feasibility  studies produced over the last ten years and found that follow up to the  reports  had  been  minimal  despite  many  realistic recommendations  and  notable  common  ground  contained within  them.   It  was  apparent  that  there  was  limited consensus  as  to  future  of the  Fort  between  the  different Stakeholders involved and therefore no single agreed plan despite numerous reports.

The finding is accepted. The combination of limited consensus as to the future of the Fort coupled with a lack of resources has hindered progress in this area. If the redevelopment of the site is to be a priority a single agreed plan needs to be developed supported by appropriate resources.

19

FINDING 19: 5.2.3

The Panel was not satisfied that there was enough evidence to suggest that Fort Regent would make a viable conference centre,  and  would  not  support  an  investment  for  such  a development, that would be unlikely to make a viable return. They suggested that any future plans regarding development of a conference centre at the Fort would need appropriate analysis  of  the  market  for  large  conferences,  including

The finding is agreed. This issue will need to be considered in more detail and should form part of any redevelopment proposal.

consultation with hoteliers to identify impact.

20

FINDING 20: 5.2.4

All  round  improvement  of  facilities  and  access  would  be necessary to create a suitable environment for an upgraded restaurant.

The finding is agreed. Dependent on the outcome of any redevelopment proposals a range of catering facilities could be required to support visitors to the site.

21

FINDING 21: 5.2.5

The Ramparts are one of the most neglected areas of Fort Regent. Regeneration of the Ramparts could be seen as a small scale project that could make a huge impact. Jersey Tourism should play a key role in the promotion of the site once it is maintained to a satisfactory level.

The finding is noted. It is accepted that Jersey Tourism would need to be involved in any redevelopment of the Fort. Regeneration of the ramparts cannot be viewed in isolation and should be addressed as part of an overall plan for the Fort.

22

FINDING 22: 6.1

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has, on the surface,  shown  to  be  successful  in  reducing  the  size  of subsidy  required  for  Fort  Regent.   However,  the  Panel believes it is not easy to provide a thorough analysis of the Fort's  historical  financial  situation  due  to  the  lack  of meaningful  financial  data  held  across  several  different accounting systems, as well as the time and resources that would be needed to interpret it. On this basis the Panel feels that it is hard to be conclusive either way with regards to financial justifications for closure of facilities at Fort Regent due to the barriers to appropriate analysis.

The finding is noted. Although considering historical data can be useful the Island economy has changed over time and has been one of the contributing factors in decisions made to close certain facilities at the Fort. It should be recognised that the level of the subsidy required has been reduced and any additional funding will be linked to any future plans for the site.

23

FINDING 23: 6.3

The  Panel  was  advised  that  there  were  currently  no alternative  funding  streams  for  the  development  of  Fort Regent, thus significantly affecting any progress. In light of this the Panel found the final decision not to apply for Fiscal Stimulus Funding completely inexplicable and felt that both the  Department  of  Education,  Sport  and  Culture  and Treasury and Resources, on behalf of JPHD, were negligent in not seeking funding.

It is not accepted that ESC was negligent in not applying for Fiscal Stimulus funding. Presently there are no approved development plans for Fort Regent and as such the criteria for accessing Fiscal stimulus funds would not be met.

It should be noted that there are presently a number of projects that JPH and ESC consider to be a higher priority than the Fort which in turn are required to compete with other proposals brought forward by other States departments.

24

FINDING 24: 6.4

The Panel is concerned that the new rental structure to be applied by JPHD may not take into account matters of social benefit and inclusion.

The new rental structure between JPHD and ESC will be designed to ensure that social benefit and inclusion are taken account of under the new policy.

25

FINDING 25: 6.5

Fort Regent shares a limited maintenance budget with two

The finding is accepted

other  Leisure  Centres  (Les  Quennevais  and  Springfield). The Fort also competes with a lengthy priority list of JPHD and suffers as a result.

26

FINDING 26: 7

The  Panel  found  that  Fort  Regent  has  poor  directional signage both leading up to and within the site. The Panel also concluded that access to Fort Regent is inadequate and needs to be improved.

The finding is accepted and will be considered in any future improvements to the site.

Recommendations

To

Accept/ Reject

Comments

Target date of action/

completion

1

RECOMMENDATION 1: 4.1.3

The Panel recommends that the relationship between the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, JPHD and the Jersey Heritage Trust be put on a formal footing. The Panel request  the  Minister  for  Education,  Sport  and  Culture  to establish a working group, lead by a politician or champion' and  consisting  of  representatives  from these  departments and key Stakeholders.

Accept

I accept the establishment of a working group and am willing to take a lead role. Meetings to discuss the make up of the group with key stakeholders are being arranged.

March 2010

2

RECOMMENDATION 2: 4.2.1

The Panel requests that the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture work with the Minister for Treasury and Resources to identify the exact requirements needed by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and JPHD to maximise the potential of the Fort, including budgetary requirements, so that there can be a clear definition and transparency of roles and responsibilities.

Accept

I accept that there is a need for both Ministers to work together in order to clarify requirements prior to the development of a single agreed plan for Fort Regent  and  the  surrounding  area.  This  should include  a  clear  definition  of  the roles  and responsibilities of the departments involved.

July 2010

3

RECOMMENDATION 3: 4.2.2

The Panel recommends that the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture instructs the current working group, consisting of the States Central I.T. and the Department of Education, Sport  and  Culture's  I.T.  Department,  to  investigate development of a standalone website for Fort Regent with an online booking system, that is no longer buried within the States of Jersey Website.

Reject

I am confident that the new arrangements to be implemented early in 2010 will adequately provide on line bookings for concerts and events to meet the needs of Fort Regent and other similar local providers.

March 2010

4

RECOMMENDATION 4: 4.2.7

The  Exercise  Referral Scheme  is  of  great  benefit  to  the community  and  must  be  supported,  maintained  and developed.   The  Panel  requests  that  the  Minister  for Education,  Sport  and  Culture  ensure  that  the  scheduled Business Plan cuts, which impact on this area, are not made.

Accept

I  agree  that  the  Exercise  Referral  Scheme  is  of great  benefit  and  I  aim  to  ensure  funding  is maintained. Following discussions with H&SS there will be no cuts as identified in the Business Plan.

Immediate

5

RECOMMENDATION 5: 4.3.1

The Panel recommends that the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture must organise for the abandoned swimming pool on the Glacis Field to be demolished with immediate effect.

The Panel further recommends for an Engineering Condition Report to be carried out on the derelict swimming pool site together with investigations into possible future uses of the site. The Panel suggests that investigations should include consideration of a swimming pool with possible incorporation under a hotel development, taking into account the current contractual restrictions.

Reject

The funding to demolish the pool is not available. ESC will work with JPHD to develop an agreed plan for  demolition  taking  account  of  any  future development on the site.

6

RECOMMENDATION 6: 4.3.4

The Panel recommends that immediate attention must be paid by the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture to the maintenance of the ramparts. Tidying up of closed areas, demolishing old unused buildings such as the Cable Cars together with installation of historical interpretation are all quick  wins  which  would  make  a  huge  impact  to  the attractiveness of Fort Regent.

Reject

I will work with JPHD and other key Stakeholders to agree plans for the whole site. Consideration will be given to a phased approach where appropriate for any proposed development..

7

RECOMMENDATION 7: 6.1

The Panel recommends that the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture ensures attention is paid to making the historical financial  data  in  relation  to  the  Fort  as  transparent  and interpretable as possible. The Panel feels that it is imperative for the Department to understand and learn from the changes over recent years especially if there is a danger of decisions being made on meaningless data.

Accept

Although  the  data  is  produced  under  different accounting  systems  it  is  not  meaningless.  I  am confident that recent data is accurate and is able to be used to reliably inform future decisions about development.

July 2010

8

RECOMMENDATION 8: 6.3

With regards to the limitations placed on development by the stated lack of funding available for Fort Regent, the Panel requests the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture to implement the exploration of opportunities for Public/Private Partnerships  and  also  to  investigate  the  feasibility  of redirection of money from disposal of properties.

Agree

During the development of an overall plan for the Fort  and  the  surrounding  area, one  of  the responsibilities  of  the  working  group  will  be  to identify how any future development will be funded. This will include proposals made by the Panel and contained within the recommendation.

July 2011

9

RECOMMENDATION 9: 7.0

The Panel recommends that the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture instruct that access to Fort Regent be urgently re-examined with particular attention paid to the development of  a  lift  from  Snow  Hill  up  to  Fort  Regent.   In  addition improvements to directional signage across the site need to be made with immediate effect.

Reject

I accept that improved access and signage would help to encourage more people to the Fort however both these issues need to be considered by the working group prior to any changes being made.

July 2011

March 2010