Ventnor Community Sets Up Steering Group To Look At Future Of Winter Gardens

A community steering group has been formed in Ventnor to explore future options for the Winter Gardens, after the building was officially granted Asset of Community Value (ACV) status.

The move follows confirmation that the site’s current owner has notified the Isle of Wight Council of his intention to sell.

Under ACV legislation, this triggers a six-month period in which a community-backed bid can be considered.

No sale price or formal marketing details have yet been released, which the steering group says presents challenges.

However, members believe the ACV process provides a rare, time-limited opportunity to influence what happens next.

A spokesperson for the group said they are keen to approach the process openly and constructively, and are inviting interest from anyone who may wish to be involved in a community-focused proposal.

The steering group was established after three well-attended public meetings earlier this year, where residents shared concerns about how the Winter Gardens has been used in recent years.

Many felt it has not fully served the local community or offered a wide enough programme of cultural and arts events to attract visitors throughout the year.

Since forming, the group has met to better understand the ACV process and begin mapping out possible next steps.

Its role includes exploring what a community-backed bid could involve, identifying potential bidders or partners, encouraging transparency, and assessing proposals against criteria aimed at delivering long-term community benefit.

The group has confirmed that early expressions of interest have already been received from parties willing to work collaboratively.

“We don’t represent any single interest,” the spokesperson added.

“Our role is to consider all options, keep the community voice at the centre of discussions, and help support the development of a credible bid within the ACV timeframe.”

With the six-month window now underway, the steering group says any successful proposal is unlikely to rely solely on donations or public funding.

Instead, it is seeking expressions of interest from individuals, groups or organisations with ideas for purchasing, managing or programming the Winter Gardens, including potential partnership models.

Further updates will be shared with the community as the process continues.

Anyone interested in finding out more or getting involved can contact the steering group at vwg1936.sg@gmail.com.