blog.gov.jeA new era for sport in Jersey
Jersey is undergoing a major transformation of its sports infrastructure. What began with the unavoidable closure of Fort Regent has evolved into a forward-thinking, Island-wide programme to deliver modern, inclusive, and high-quality facilities for all. This transformation is not just about replacing buildings, it’s about creating a more resilient, accessible and inclusive sporting future for everyone on the Island.
Island-wide challenges that prompted change
For years, sports provision in Jersey has faced significant challenges:
- Ageing and inadequate indoor facilities
- Limited access to inclusive, multi-use spaces for all age groups
- Fragmented club provision across outdated venues
- Scheduling conflicts between schools, clubs and community users
These issues impacted participation, limited growth opportunities for clubs and ultimately hindered Jersey’s ability to meet modern standards for community sport.
The Fort Regent legacy – and why closure was necessary
Fort Regent once stood as Jersey’s flagship indoor sports venue. However, decades of wear, outdated infrastructure and mounting safety concerns made continued use untenable. The decision to close the facility was not taken lightly, but it was driven by a commitment to public safety and a clear vision for the future.
Why Fort Regent couldn’t continue:
- Hazardous materials including asbestos and legionella in showers
- Failing infrastructure such as unreliable water, heating and electrics
- Severe accessibility issues and non-compliance with modern building standards
- An overall environment no longer fit for modern sport
Operating an unsafe building was no longer viable or responsible. Fort Regent had reached the end of its usable life, but its closure marks the beginning of something better. When Fort Regent re-opens at the end of 2028, it will be Jersey’s premier leisure and entertainment venue and will retain some provision for sport.
Improvement Programme overview
From one central hub to Island-wide excellence
Rather than directly replacing Fort Regent with another single venue, the Government of Jersey is adopting a phased, decentralised approach by building a network of modern, fit-for-purpose sports facilities across the Island and ensuring we make maximum use of our existing facilities.
This approach recognises that the future of sport lies in flexibility, accessibility and shared use. It also ensures sports provision can better align with local needs, reducing travel time, supporting clubs and unlocking use of underutilised spaces.
This begun in 2023, with the newly refurbished gym at Springfield Stadium.
This state-of-the-art facility has capacity for around 3,000 users. It replaced the ageing Active gym at Fort Regent, which previously served around 1,000 members.
Equipment from Fort was relocated to Springfield to ensure best value for money.
This transition was the first practical step in decanting Fort Regent ahead of its planned regeneration.
Spotlight: Oakfield Community Sports Centre
At the heart of this new vision is Oakfield, a landmark £8 million investment in the future of Island sport, which is opening in October 2025.
What Oakfield delivers:
- 2,659m² multi-use sports hall
- A dedicated, state-of-the-art gymnastics centre
- Flexible design for a range of sports: martial arts, netball, badminton, basketball, volleyball, tennis and indoor cricket
- Dual use model: schools during the day, clubs and the community in the evenings and weekends
Pictured new equipment & layout of the Oakfield community Gymnastics centre
Oakfield represents not just a new building, but a new philosophy for sport in Jersey: inclusive, community-focused and future-ready.
Supporting the Sports Community through the transition
The transition from Fort Regent to new venues like Oakfield is being carefully managed in partnership with the Island’s sports community. Inevitably, there have been and will be challenges, but we will continue to work with sports clubs and organisations to support their programmes at Oakfield and in venues across the Island.
Support measures include:
- Early engagement and site visits took place to inform the design and function of new facilities
- Ongoing consultation and support for clubs and private tenants
- Transitional funding and phased rental agreements to ease financial impact
- Tailored relocations (e.g. Play Zone to Arcadia, Empire Skating to Haute Vallée)
Pictured Wendy Luce & Linda Andrews of the JNA (Jersey Netball Association)
Pictured Bernard Cooper and Ian Cuming of the Jersey Sports Council
Ian Cuming said “We were delighted to be shown around the new sports hall under development and nearing completion at Oakfield. This modern sports hall will be a superb and necessary addition to the existing portfolio of facilities on the Island. The design and build can be a template for further such halls when appropriate sites are identified.”
Pictured Pam Pearce and Rob Staples of Gracia Barra
They said of their visit “During the visit, we explored the layout of our mat area, worked out where we will keep the Loaner Gis, toured the changing and showering facilities, and had the productive conversations around cleaning protocols, parking logistics and safeguarding measures. It’s clear that a lot of thought is going into making this a safe, welcoming and high-quality space for everyone.”
Pictured Sarah Gomersall & Lee Meloy of Jersey Cricket
Lee Meloy, Head of Cricket Operations said “It was great to see the project progressing at the new Oakfield Sports Centre. It’s obvious that the sporting community in Jersey is going to benefit hugely from it. We’re looking forward to using the facility for our community, club and pathway programmes.”
This collaborative approach aims to ensure that no club or group is left behind as the Island’s sports infrastructure evolves.
What’s next: the long-term vision
The transformation doesn’t end with Oakfield. The Government of Jersey is committed to an ongoing strategy to expand access, raise standards and ensure everyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from sport.
Key steps ahead:
- Unlocking school sports halls for wider community use during evenings and weekends
- Modernising funding models to ensure fair, sustainable access
- Investing in inclusive, multi-purpose spaces that support a growing range of sports
This is not just a replacement of the old, it is a reimagining of what sport in Jersey can be. The next priority is to enhance facilities in the east of the Island, with a 3G floodlit pitch at Le Rocquier and a new parish-led play area and pump track adjacent to the Parish Hall. In the coming years, there will also be a need to rebuild Les Quennevais Sports Centre, with the many opportunities that will provide.
In addition, we are supporting proposals for private investment in sports facilities by several clubs and organisations.
A stronger foundation for the future
Jersey’s investment in sport is an investment in its people, health and communities. While Fort Regent’s closure marked the end of an era, it also opened the door to a brighter future, one built on safety, accessibility and opportunity for all.
Together, we’re building a new foundation for community sport, one that will serve Jersey for generations to come.