Senator Steve Pallett, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, has today (Tuesday 22 January) published a report which sets out the possible future of Jersey’s sports facilities.
The independent report, which was commissioned by the Government, assesses the future requirements for Jersey’s indoor and outdoor sports provision; considers how the quality of the facilities might be improved over the medium to longer term; and examines future management options for the redesigned sports facilities portfolio.
Within the report, several strategic recommendations are made to improve Jersey’s sports provision including:
- considering closing Fort Regent as a sports and events venue and investigating how else the site could be used;
- considering the development of a new sports and events centre in St Helier to replace and improve upon the facilities currently offered at Fort Regent and AquaSplash;
- assessing the feasibility of investing into Les Quennevais Sports Centre;
- considering the creation of an island stadium for football and rugby;
- investigating the possibility of developing a sports facility in the east of the island; and
- considering the feasibility of creating a seafront water sports facility.
The report has been delivered by specialist consultancy firm Knight, Kavanagh & Page Ltd.
Senator Pallett said: “As part of the recently approved Common Strategic Policy, Jersey’s government is committed to both putting children first and to improving islanders’ wellbeing, both mentally and physically. To achieve this, it’s vitally important that Jersey has fit-for-purpose sports and leisure facilities. This report provides the basis for more detailed planning to deliver these facilities.”
“A new political oversight group is being established to oversee the development of a comprehensive sports facilities strategy for the island, and the next step is for us to consider the report’s recommendations.”
States of Jersey Press Release.