By Isle of Wight Observer
A steering group has been established to represent community interests and explore future options for the Ventnor Winter Gardens, following confirmation of the building’s status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The building passed from public ownership in September 2011, when the then Conservative IW Council, under the leadership of David Pugh, sold the Winter Gardens to the Hambrough Group for £1.
The development follows notification to the IW Council by the current owner of his intention to sell the site. Under ACV legislation, this triggers a six-month disposal period during which a community-backed bid may be explored.
No price has been disclosed and no sales details have yet been released by an agent, making the process challenging. However, the steering group believes the ACV designation provides a time-limited opportunity to influence the future of the site. The steering group is made up of local residents: Steve Witheyman, Stephen Izatt, Daniel Ruiz, Roger Watson, Richard Ferraro, and Jim and Steph Toogood, and will be reporting back to community meetings in the new year.
A spokesman said the group’s approach would be open and constructive, with the aim of hearing from any parties interested in forming a viable, community-focused bid.
The steering group was formed following three well-attended public meetings held earlier this year to gather local opinion. Feedback suggested the Winter Gardens has not meaningfully served local interests for some time, nor offered a consistent programme of events, arts, or cultural activity capable of drawing visitors throughout the year.
Since forming, the group has met twice to understand the ACV process and consider next steps. Its remit includes exploring what a community-backed bid could look like, identifying potential bidders or partners, encouraging transparency, examining community-led and commercial partnership models, and assessing proposals against criteria intended to deliver long-term community value.
The group has confirmed that interest in collaborative working has already been expressed. It is now seeking further expressions of interest from individuals, groups or organisations able to contribute to purchase, management, cultural programming or partnership proposals.
Further updates will be shared with the community as the process continues.
