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Could Derelict Shanklin Eyesore Finally Be Developed?

There is hope that a derelict eyesore, that has blotted the landscape of Shanklin Esplanade, could finally be developed.

Twenty interested parties have put themselves forward to develop the former Shanklin Spa Hotel site, next to the Cliff Lift.

Speaking at the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet meeting last night (Thursday), Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Regeneration and Business Development Lead, said she was pleased to report the very strong level of interest the council had received in just a few days.

The site, which the authority owns, is listed in the draft Island Planning Strategy as being suitable for sustainable, high quality, predominantly residential development.

(Picture: An artist's impression of a development on the site of the former Spa Hotel on Shanklin Esplanade as proposed on the council's investment opportunity website in 2017)

It could provide at least 50 units, in a mix of sizes and affordable housing, public transport and highway improvements as well as contributions towards improvements to the seawall and coastal defences, says the plan.

The site currently comprises a public car park, closed public toilets and redundant buildings.

According to the council’s regeneration website, called IWight Invest ‘An Isle of Opportunities’, another idea for the beachfront site, could see a ’boutique holiday accommodation that attracts visitors all year long’.

Any potential development could impact on the council's car park, however.

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