New Steering Group To Guide Future Of Ventnor Winter Gardens

A new steering group will be set up to help refine bids for the Ventnor Winter Gardens, a public meeting in the town heard yesterday.

Ventnor and St Lawrence Conservative county councillor Ed Blake told attendees at Salisbury Gardens that the committee would be the “best way forward” and would operate “entirely transparently.”

The forum was held following Cllr Blake’s announcement earlier this month that the Hambrough Group wishes to sell the Art Deco pavilion, which has fallen into disrepair.

The Isle of Wight Council has accepted the building as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), meaning the owner cannot sell it until community groups have had the opportunity to register an interest.

Cllr Blake said he had been approached by more than two dozen potential bidders during his nearly two years in office, ranging from ambitious proposals to more practical plans.

He added that the steering group would help ensure all applications are clear and understandable for the community before further meetings are held to discuss and prioritise the bids.

He explained that once a preferred proposal is agreed upon by the community, the selected group can then negotiate with the owner.

Cllr Blake noted it would be “entirely possible” for a Community Interest Company or charitable trust to take on the Winter Gardens.

However, he also pointed out that the ACV designation does not compel the owner to sell, and the six-month bidding period does not guarantee the building will be put on the market.

Despite this, the process gives the community a chance to express how they would like the Winter Gardens to be used and to provide input on its value, which could serve as a “reality check” for the owner.

The idea of seeking heritage listing for the pavilion was also raised.

A listed building is legally protected due to its architectural or historic significance.

Cllr Blake said he would “leave it for others to decide” whether listing was appropriate, but noted that the national listing register had already contacted him with questions about the building after its ACV designation.