It’s Time to Overhaul the Bridging Island Plan—Jersey’s Future Depends On It

Yesterday, I sat through a Government of Jersey Planning Committee meeting that left me both frustrated and determined. The committee, by a narrow margin, refused the principle of development for the Strive Hotel a project that, in my view, is not just another development, but a bold statement of ambition for Jersey. This is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about investment, confidence, and opportunity for our island.

The refusal came despite a consensus that the Strive Hotel would be good for Jersey and our economy. The deciding factor? The Bridging Island Plan—a policy framework that, as it stands, is holding us back. Those who voted against the project openly admitted that their hands were tied by the plan. This rigid adherence to an outdated policy shows a lack of willingness to think outside the box and get things done for Jersey’s future.

As President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, representing over 500 businesses and around 32,000 members of the workforce, I see firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our island. The Bridging Island Plan was designed as a framework for planners, but it no longer reflects the realities of Jersey’s needs. It’s not the people applying the policy who are at fault it’s the process itself.

By sticking to a plan that’s out of step with today’s ambitions, we risk sending a damaging message: Jersey is closed for business. This perception doesn’t just affect the Strive Hotel; it threatens to deter future investment and innovation. Investors look for certainty and a jurisdiction that welcomes growth. If we turn away projects of this calibre, we undermine that confidence and our own strategic ambitions.

The Strive Hotel is not an isolated project. It complements major initiatives like the Ports Master Plan, the redevelopment of Fort Regent, airport upgrades, and the Investing in Jersey 2026–2050 plan. These projects all point in the same direction: a modern, competitive, and attractive island economy.

Take Fort Regent, for example. Plans are underway to transform it into a major conferencing and events venue. But without high-quality hotels like Strive, the project risks being undermined by a lack of suitable accommodation. The same goes for our airport upgrades improved connectivity means little if we can’t offer visitors the facilities they expect.

The UK business events and conferencing sector alone contributes £61.6 billion annually to the UK’s GDP. If Jersey could capture just 0.1% of that market, it would mean an additional £61 million per year for our economy. That’s not a distant dream—it’s achievable with the right infrastructure.

Refusing the Strive Hotel means turning away jobs, local supply chain opportunities, and a stronger tourism and business events sector. These industries are cornerstones of Jersey’s economy. To deny this project is to deny our island the chance to strengthen its competitiveness and resilience.

The Bridging Island Plan should be a tool to guide progress, not a barrier to it. In fact, SPG 6 of the plan explicitly allows for economic considerations to be weighed in applications. This is exactly the kind of project where that principle should apply.

This is the start of the next phase. If you agree that Jersey deserves better, please share this message with your friends, colleagues, and elected representatives. It’s time to turn the dial and make change for the good of Jersey and our economy. If we linger with old policy, we will stay in the past. It’s time to look to the future.

Let’s send a clear message: Jersey is open for business, ambitious, and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

If you believe in Jersey’s potential, don’t stay silent. Contact your States Members, write to the Planning Committee, and speak up on social media. Demand that the Bridging Island Plan is urgently reviewed and reformed to reflect the needs of today—not yesterday. Share this blog, start conversations, and let’s build unstoppable momentum for progress.

Jersey’s future is in our hands. Together, we can ensure our island is open for business and ready to thrive.