Historic Sandown Town Hall Reopens As New Youth Hub After Major Restoration

A once-derelict 156-year-old listed building in Sandown is set to serve hundreds of young people every week, as Isle of Wight Council-led restoration works near completion.

Sandown Town Hall, built in 1869, has undergone an extensive transformation and has already begun hosting drop-in cricket, boxing and art sessions in recent weeks.

The historic building has been structurally and cosmetically restored to become a dedicated hub for young people, forming the base of a new and ambitious youth programme in The Bay area.

Part of the hall is now home to LINK, a new youth centre run by the Bay Youth Project, supporting young people aged between 10 and 18.

In 2023, the Isle of Wight Council secured £3.1 million from the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund to support the restoration of the building and the delivery of the youth programme.

Led by Community Action Isle of Wight, the programme has been welcoming young people since January 5 and is now capable of supporting more than 200 young people each week.

Activities at Sandown Town Hall include a wide range of sports, study sessions and creative opportunities, with a sound studio also available for music practice.

Major structural and cosmetic repairs were overseen by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with ERMC, with Island-based firm MCM Construction delivering the works.

Young people, alongside representatives from Community Action Isle of Wight and the Bay Youth Forum, were consulted throughout the project, helping shape how the space is used and finished.

The restoration included extensive repairs to the historic ceiling, replacement of the damaged roof and repairs to supporting structures to preserve the building’s heritage.

Reconfiguration work has also been carried out to create a new reception area and toilet facilities at the front of the building, alongside new electrics and plumbing throughout.

A modern renovation of the lower ground floor has created a youth hub area, additional usable spaces, a lobby for a new lift and a dedicated sensory area.

Laura Cansdale, Regeneration Programme Manager for the Isle of Wight Council, said the project would have a lasting impact on young people in The Bay.

She said:

“Sandown Town Hall has been transformed into a bespoke youth and community centre that will empower young people, who are the future of the Bay area.

“This project has given young people a space to thrive and is another shining example of the power of place-based regeneration as we work towards a resilient and connected Bay area.”

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, said the renovation marked a proud moment for the community.

She said:

“Not only has an important listed building been saved, but it is now being used for young people to come together and enjoy sport, music and creativity.

“The historic fabric of the building has been celebrated and a new civic purpose found – it really is something to celebrate.”

Emma Moul, LINK Manager at the Bay Youth Project, said the opening of the new youth centre would allow the organisation to expand its offer.

She said:

“Having this fantastic facility allows us to broaden our offer to young people in The Bay area, with free activities including boxing, cricket, arts and music.

“We also run regular drop-in sessions where young people can access a safe and welcoming environment to socialise, connect with youth workers, use free Wi-Fi or enjoy games with others.

“Our timetable is constantly evolving in consultation with young people, ensuring we deliver the activities and support they want.”

More information about the Bay Youth Project, including activity timetables and how to register, is available via its Facebook and Instagram pages.