LOOK INSIDE: Jersey Opera House works expected to finish on time and on budget

Tuesday, 14 May 2024 09:00

Jersey Opera House's new look is coming together, with construction expected to finish by Christmas Eve.

The works are planned to cost no more than the £12.7 million bill we were told about last November, according to the minister overseeing the project for the government.

Previously, the construction costs were £11.7 million pounds, before extra mechanical and electrical work was identified by local building firm Ashbe Construction.

READ MORE: Opera House Cost Rises

The theatre closed for the Covid lockdown in March 2020 and was unable to reopen after restrictions were lifted because of safety concerns.

Work is now underway to bring the building up to health and safety standards before its planned opening early next year.

Minister for Sustainable Economic Develop Kirsten Morel

Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Kirsten Morel says all is now on track, after previous delays:

"It's still scheduled for the building works to be completed by 24 December 24, which is still on time and still on budget.

"This is testament to Ashbe who have done an amazing job, having challenges at every corner, finding holes where there weren't expected to be holes and things like this.

"Most of what is being done won't be seen by the public, which has always been one of the concerns about this, but the building had fallen so far behind in terms of its maintenance that it had become a danger.

"So now we need to have a fully health and safety compliant building and low carbon auditorium which will look completely new to audiences that will fill it in the future.

"I'm really excited about getting it back. It started in 2020 when I was an Assistant Minister, and so here we are four years later and the project is coming to its completion.

"The Opera House means so much to so many people, both audiences and actors. I can't wait to have the first concerts back here. We miss having a venue in Jersey at the moment."

Ben Cairney from Ashbe Construction

Ben Cairney from Ashbe Construction told us whilst most of the changes will be made behind the scenes, audience members will see an update:

"The detailing and the gold-leafing that's gone on with all the existing details is incredible.

"You look up and you can see the minute details have been picked out in gold leaf and they flash and look amazing.

"The marbling effect as well that has been hand-painted into some of the areas, even though I know what it is and I watched them do it, it blows my mind even now because its so realistic."

Jersey Opera House is currently planning to welcome back audiences in early 2025.

Take a look how the works are getting on: