In 2023 the SJPA welcomed a fascinating donation of 50 photographic prints, accessioned as ‘SJPA/2023/07’. Taken between 1967 and1973, consisting of mostly monochrome photographic prints along with a small number of colour ones, the photographs were taken during the construction of Fort Regent into a leisure centre. Specifically, the photographs document the building of Fort Regent’s iconic roof, a key part of the project. In this article we will reflect on the photographs from this collection and explore their role as first-hand visual accounts of this large-scale construction project.
Background
Built between 1806 and 1814 by the British Government as a Fortress used during the Napoleonic Wars, the site of Fort Regent remained a Military garrison until 1932. After this period, except from being used by the Germans as an Ordnance Depot by during the Occupation, the site remained largely neglected, essentially existing as a large dumping ground for a range of used and unwanted items.
Having purchased the site from the British Government in 1958 along with all other assets that the UK War Department held, the States of Jersey appointed a ‘Special Committee on Former War Department Properties’ to decide how best to utilise these new assets. Over the next two years plans for all these properties were thought out and agreed upon, all except for Fort Regent.
After years of uncertainty about the future of the site, local architect W.H. Davies was appointed in May 1966 by the Special Committee as a consultant architect, to lead the formulation a much-needed plan for the site’s future. Over the next few months, following an intensive process, a plan known as the ‘1967 Report’ which proposed the redevelopment of the site into a multi-purpose public leisure centre, was submitted and unanimously approved by the States Assembly. One of the major factors behind the decision to redesign the Fort into a leisure centre was it being considered a versatile space appealing both to Jersey residents as well as the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the island.
SJPA/007092 (above): Fort Regent: Parade Ground with soldiers, piles of cannon balls and horse. c. 1880-1900.
Design of the Roof
During the planning process of the new leisure centre, a major consideration was the roof design. There was a desire to create a roof of an unusual and imaginative design befitting such an innovative project. From an architectural viewpoint there was also a need to design a space split into three distinctive parts; firstly, an area dedicated to sport, secondly an auditorium which could host a range of activities including conferences and concerts, and thirdly an area for general leisure. When considering these factors, it was important to come up with a roof design which was both aesthetically appealing as well as functional.
It was therefore decided that the building would be split into three individual sections. The north section of the building was to be designed for sporting activities, the south section would be used as a piazza for general leisure purposes, and in the middle a large rotunda would be created with 1500-person capacity auditorium inside. The roof covering the rotunda would consist of a large dome shaped and the roofing for the north and south sections of the building would consist of a series of curved roof beams held together with portal frames.
Photographs
During the construction process, the site manager made a series of photographs documenting the building of the roof. The resulting images, taken in precise manner with a strong focus on form and composition, examine the roof at all stages of its construction, taken from various angles and perspectives.
Interior Photographs
CA-D01-AA-025 (above): Photograph of south entrance whilst rafters are being added. The portal frame nearest to end of south section is mid-way through construction. When framing this image, the photographer has carefully positioned the portal frame in the centre, acting as a simple but effective visual guide.
CA-D01-AA-028 (above) Detail shot of rafters and top section of portal frame in south entrance. Construction worker visible on left. Lightning, unusual composition and the shadowy presence of the construction worker makes for a very eerie and mysterious feel.
CA-D01-AA-020 (above) Overview of area within north section. Shows section of the curved roof which has had glass covering applied. Construction worker visible in background.
CA-D01-AA-037 (above): Close up of portal knee frame.
Exterior Photographs
CA-D01-AA-036 (above): View of south entrance of building undergoing construction. Construction workers visible both on ground and roof.
CA-D01-AA-010 (above): View of construction workers on rooftop applying the covering for the curved roof beams.
CA-D01-AA-029 (above): Aerial view of south entrance section of roof.
CA-D01-AA-013 (above): View of the dome roof. Construction worker visible right.
CA-D01-AA-012 (above): View of dome roof with cover applied.
Summary
When constructing the images, it is clear that the photographer has taken time to carefully consider the surrounding space, and to create images with the buildings architectural aspects as its primary focus, incorporating classic visual techniques associated with architectural photography.
Nonetheless, it would be unfair to categorise them as objective photographs intended to solely show off the design and structure of the building. In contrast, the way through which the photographer has carefully considered light, chosen intriguing visual angles (particularly within his close-up images), has made sure to include the presence of construction workers in many of the shots, and has made no attempt to remove or disguise anything from the frames, even if they might be considered unnecessary or distracting details, it is clear there is an attempt to record and document the construction of Fort Regent in a authentic and candid manner, and in doing so evoking a great sense of rawness.
As such these images serve as both a fantastic and detailed documentation of the construction project, whilst at the same time are powerful and thought provoking images that take the viewer on the journey of this ambitious construction project.
With Fort Regent due to close at the end of this year for major construction works beginning in January 2026, with the goal of revitalising the site into a modern, multi-purpose entertainment hub, these photographs serve as a fascinating reminder of this substantial redevelopment project. It will be very interesting to see what aspects of the original design remain similar, and what changes.
Text by Max Le Feuvre, Archive Assistant, Societe Jersiaise Photographic Archive
