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'Disneyland' Plans For Sandown's Culver Parade Scrapped, Council Says

Plans for a new dinosaur-themed development on land occupied by Sandown's Dinosaur Isle and Browns Golf Course appear to have been scrapped.

Following talks with a potential investor, the Isle of Wight Council has confirmed it has 'reconsidered' previous proposals.

Both sites, on Culver Parade, have long been earmarked as areas for regeneration.

Former Conservative Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart had previously spoke of turning the  "whole of Sandown Bay" into the Isle of Wight's very-own Jurassic Park.

The proposals were once heralded as a 'Disneyland opportunity'.

Residents had raised concerns that it could spell the end for the historic Browns.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment and heritage, said a recent 3,000-strong petition helped prompt a change of heart.

A report on the future of the museum and its internationally renowned fossil collection is due to go before Cabinet members on Thursday (11 November).

It recommends the council seeks to secure an "effective and sustainable long-term future" for the attraction and, crucially, its museum accreditation, either at its current site or an alternative location on the Island.

Cllr Bacon said:

"The basis for a new investment proposition at Culver Parade is to be focussed on public access, maintaining the existing environment and heritage and compliment the UNESCO Biosphere designation of the Island."

"We are conscious of the need to move things forward, both for the regeneration of Sandown and the potential of our world renowned dinosaur collection.

"Unfortunately in the last few years we seem to have been trying to put a square peg in a round hole. This paper allows us to take things forward without unhelpful self imposed restraints and concentrating on what will best serve our heritage and environment.

“In the meantime, the council will continue to support the tenancy of the golf course for its management and maintenance."

The report, published today, also seeks Cabinet support for a fresh approach to the regeneration of council land at Culver Parade, with the development of a new investment proposition with heritage and the environment at its centre.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said the new Alliance administration wanted to secure alternative investments that complemented the area’s natural environment and unique heritage.

She said:

"The process to bring forward the regeneration of the Culver Parade area has presented the council with some complex challenges.

"However, as a major landowner and provider of a key tourism and educational facility, we recognise the opportunity to take a leadership role in the future of this part of the Bay which has suffered from under investment over many years.

"It's imperative to us, as a new administration, to develop an opportunity for regeneration and investment that will enhance what the local community values as important in this area of Sandown." 

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