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Fort Regent Consultation
- Swimming Pool
Every person consulted wanted the pool restored. The general opinion is that we need two pools, one for serious swimmers (or at least those that want to swim laps rather than mess about) and the other as a fun pool.
People on the "Active" programme would like to go for a swim after exercising and even when they want to use the pool on the waterfront, half of the time it's unavailable.
Entry to the pool needs to be cheap to encourage people to use it regularly. People stopped using the pool last time round because the entrance fee covered entry to other things they weren't interested in. Even a subscription fee is not popular as people like to be free to go or not and those on lower incomes find the initial outlay prohibitive. This is definitely one area that was mishandled last time round.
- Computer Gaming
Not everyone is "sporty" but there are few facilities for anything else. Many youngsters (and older) enjoy playing computer games, however this is often a solitary pursuit and they miss out on socialising. They do however link up with other people for tournaments and feel that if there was a room at the Fort set up with consoles etc they would be socialising, could watch other peoples' tournaments and make new friends and spend time going for a drink or bite to eat as well.
This need not be at all expensive to set up and businesses might even donate computers as they replace older models, free of charge. Youngsters have already volunteered to help set the systems up if necessary. The public could even be asked to donate games – youngsters get bored of playing the same games after a while and would definitely contribute these.
- Climbing wall
This has been suggested by several clubs and they believe that a full size, competition spec wall could attract competitors from out of the Island to compete over here. This would be good for tourism but also good for older youngsters who like a challenge.
- Skating Rink (roller / ice )
The roller disco was extremely popular and the ice skating rink in the winter over here is very busy. If this facility was perhaps split between the two, summer and winter, maybe the novelty factor wouldn't wear off so quickly but people would still get the chance to perfect their skills with the facility being in situ for longer periods. Again, this is something that would be good for non-sporty people too.
- Model car racing
Currently there is a model car club but they don't have a permanent track. Non-club members are always welcome and the club lends them vehicles free of charge so that they can join in. The club sets up different racing circuits each time but if this facility was available at the fort, members of the public would also be interested in just spectating. This would require a covered area and the club would probably be happy to run the area themselves and perhaps run fund raising events towards the cost of roofing. The only ongoing cost would be electricity and general maintenance.
- Creche Facilities
Short stay childcare facilities e.g. if a parent wanted a serious swim or do something where a small child could not participate. This would encourage more people to exercise and use the facilities regularly as it is difficult to find (and expensive to use) a babysitter too often.
- Restaurant
With the fantastic views from Fort Regent, it's incredible that a decent restaurant which capitalises on the views has never been available there. This would also encourage a different clientele who perhaps would not ordinarily visit the fort to go there. People could have a nice meal prior to a concert for example or have a meal after an event. There used to be beautiful rose gardens at the fort – after a good lunch, older people might enjoy this sort of facility again.
- Mini golf / crazy golf
This was always popular with even small children being able to join in. The crazygolf at the Living Legend is not very good but is still well used although too expensive.
- Jungle Jim
A facility for older children is required. This is available in the UK and extremely popular. It's disappointing for children when they grow too tall to get into the current facility.
- Swings & Slides etc
Two separate facilities are required – one for older and the other for younger children. It might be worth considering covering this area too as we already have parks that are open to the elements and perhaps the fort could be marketed as a "all weather" facility?
- Amusement arcade
Funland was always popular and has been sorely missed. No problem with making money with this one!
- Fairground
Fairground type rides were popular but should also be in a covered area bearing in mind how bad our summers are lately. It would be worth changing the rides every few months to keep the youngsters interested (say one every couple of months on a rota to keep expenses down).