Jersey Opera House restoration project (FOI)

Request

In response to States Assembly written question WQ.250/2022 in October 2022 (from Deputy Feltham on the Jersey Opera House restoration project), The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture stated that he had asked for three items of work to be completed (A to C below), which were currently underway:

A

‘A consultation exercise with a group of local art sector professionals aimed at better understanding the needs and aspirations of the sector – in both the community, amateur and professional sectors.’

Please provide a list of which individuals and organisations were consulted and a copy of the consultation outcome notes, report.

B

‘A review by a theatre design company to ensure that the latest thinking in theatre technical and operational design is incorporated into the renovated Opera House.’

Please advise which theatre design company was engaged and provide a copy of their brief and their review report.

C

‘A review of theatre operating models, taking in 14 different successful theatres from other parts of the world to understand the best operating model for a theatre of this size in a place like Jersey.’

Please provide a copy of the review of theatre operating models report.

D

The job description for the recently advertised Interim Director of Jersey Opera House also referred to the ‘findings and recommendations of the consultation report and the list of 'best practice' theatres contained within.’ 

Please provide a list of these ‘best practice’ theatres, ‘14 different successful theatres’ referenced in C above.

Response 

A

The consultation exercise referred to took the form of a focus group. 

The participating organisations were: 

• ArtHouse Jersey 
• ‘Moments Musicaux Jersey’
• London Limelight (Jersey) Ltd. 
• Ballet d’Jèrri,
• Jersey Opera House.

The notes generated by this exercise are attached along with a full list of participants. 

This work of consultation and dialogue with the sector will be extended in the work of the ‘Arts Consultation Panel’ - this panel is due to be selected and convened in May 2023, following an open recruitment process. 

B

This work is ongoing and has not yet been completed. The Opera House refurbishment project has not yet reached the appropriate stage for this work to have been undertaken. Expressions of interest have so far received from two potential suppliers. Before a preferred supplier can be appointed, the appropriate procurement process will be undertaken as prescribed by the Public Finances Manual. 

C and D

This work will be undertaken by the new Interim Director of the Opera House who is scheduled to commence their role in May 2023. 

Please see attached document. 

Jersey Opera House Sector Consultation Report.pdf

Of the 14 ‘best practice theatres’ that will be reviewed, eight have been reviewed to date and are named in the report and a further six will now be added by the new interim director.

The eight theatres reviewed so far are: 

• The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
• Stephen Joseph Theatre
• Theatre Royal Bath
• Chichester Festival Theatre
• Alte Werft Papenburg
• Bayerische Staatsoper
• Academy of St Martin in the Fields