On Air Now Nick Osborne 10:00am - 3:00pm Jade - Don't Walk Away Schedule

Could Gatcombe's Thompson House Be Saved From Demolition?

An historic Isle of Wight building could be saved from demolition, with a popular attraction declaring interest in buying the site.

Random-Rooms (RRs), which was originally based in East Cowes and is currently situated in Newport, is looking to buy Gatcombe's Thompson House.

With the former hospital building becoming available, the escape room attraction is looking to expand. It said Thompson House is an "interesting building" that could potentially be used as a second site.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the Isle of Wight Council is seeking permission to demolish the building after deeming it "surplus to requirements".

However, RRs said is has a much more creative idea — keep the existing building and expand its current business.

A spokesperson said:

"[We want to] add more trees (rather than cutting any down to build housing), hedgerows and wild flowers to the site will help keep this rural site beautiful, provide privacy for neighbours and create an interesting and mysterious building shrouded in nature.

"Parts of the existing sprawl of carparking be removed and re-natured. We feel it would be vital to keep the rural feel of the site and not create any additional impact for nearby buildings or environments."

It has deemed the potential acquisition a "serious challenge", but said it is prepared to do "all we can to make our crazy plans a reality".

If successful, it is hoped it would create more jobs.

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played