Ryde Neighbourhood Board Chair Responds To MP’s Criticism Over Ryde Theatre Discussions

The chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board (RNB), Steven Holbrook, has responded after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson publicly criticised what he described as "unacceptable conduct" regarding the Ryde Theatre issue.

Holbrook expressed disappointment that Mr Robertson had not attended many RNB meetings, which he said had addressed the concerns raised by the MP.

However, Mr Robertson denied the claim, stating that he or a representative from his office had been present at every meeting except the most recent one.

The MP's comments came following last week’s news that the historic Ryde Town Hall, which had been scheduled for auction on December 10, was unexpectedly pulled from sale.

The withdrawal followed discussions between Ryde Revival, a community interest group, and property owners. Alliance council leader Phil Jordan, who also sits on the RNB, had previously confirmed that talks were ongoing with the aim of securing the building for the community.

The RNB, an independent partnership created as part of the government’s “Pride in Place” programme, had earlier presented a 10-year vision for Ryde which has been submitted to government.

This vision is expected to unlock around £742,000 in funding for the town's regeneration efforts, with increasing amounts available over the following nine years.

In a Facebook post last week, Mr. Robertson voiced concerns about the transparency of RNB’s actions.

He claimed that the Board had passed a motion by email to facilitate the purchase of the Town Hall, raising questions about the involvement of unnamed parties and accusing the Board of failing to disclose relevant information to the public.

Holbrook hit back, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS):

“Unfortunately, Joe hasn’t turned up to many meetings.

"All the points he raised were discussed thoroughly in meetings he wasn’t present for, and the full details will be available in the published minutes.”

The Ryde Neighbourhood Board clarified its position in a statement released on December 15.

It explained that the Town Hall’s future had been a key concern raised by the community, and while the Board could not commit to directly purchasing the building, it expressed its support for a community group to acquire it — provided that all necessary legal and due diligence procedures were completed.

The Board added:

“We are pleased that the Town Hall was withdrawn from the auction, giving time to explore potential future options.

"Any future financial commitment will require full Board approval and must align with government criteria, as well as receiving sign-off from the Isle of Wight Council, as the accountable body.”

Mr. Robertson, however, maintained that his real concern lay not with the formal Board meetings, but with “secretive” discussions between Board members, the Town Hall’s private owner, and Ryde Revival CIC. He reiterated the need for full transparency in the process.

The debate over the future of Ryde Town Hall continues, with many local residents eager to see the building preserved for the community's benefit.