AN artist who painted the former US Army tug moored opposite La Folie has said the vessel has the potential to become part of a “creative and social hub” if the area is redeveloped with “a bit of imagination”.
Ian Rolls made the comments about Elektra, which was brought to Jersey in 1995 and is now a familiar sight for those passing by the English Harbour.
She was painted with ‘dazzle’ colours by Mr Rolls around a decade ago to mark the centenary of the Great War, and purchased by Blake Ross and Tony Cooper in 2021 for £15,000.
In 2023, Mr Cooper told the JEP that tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of work was needed to complete the tug’s restoration.
Earlier this year, Ports of Jersey provided an update on plans to revive the nearby La Folie site, which covers around 3,000 square metres and includes the listed former pub.
A procurement process was launched in the wake of a market study exploring “commercially viable” uses for the site, with Ports citing “early insights” that suggested it could accommodate a hotel with around 125 to 150 guest rooms.
Mr Rolls said: “I would love to see Elektra stay in the Island and be restored along with La Folie.
“They seem to go together well as quirky neighbours.”
Acknowledging that Ports might have “other swanky plans for that corner of the Harbour”, he added that he did not think a multi-story hotel was appropriate for the location.
“Given a bit of imagination, respect for the history of the area and community involvement, La Folie and Elektra could be a thriving and buzzing creative and social hub,” Mr Rolls continued.
“Think artists’ studios, small galleries and artisan shops, community workshop spaces, a café and bar, accommodation pods, an Arthouse cinema.”
The JEP attempted to contact Mr Ross and Mr Cooper but did not receive a response.
