The Winter Gardens in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, was once a thriving gem of the island, drawing visitors from far and wide with its breathtaking clifftop views stretching all the way to France.

Famous faces like Queen Elizabeth II and David Bowie once graced its halls.

But now, the building stands in a state of disrepair, described by locals as an eyesore, thanks to years of neglect by its current owners.

The Winter Gardens’ Faded Glory

The art deco Winter Gardens was a central part of the island’s vibrant holiday scene, with its historic charm and cultural significance.

Back in the 1960s, the Winter Gardens hosted a young David Bowie, performing with his band The Lower Third, when he was still known as Davy Jones.

Queen Elizabeth II herself visited the site during her trip to the Isle of Wight in 1965, where she planted a fir tree nearby.

However, despite its illustrious past, the building now sits forgotten and deteriorating.

In 2011, Hambrough Group purchased the Winter Gardens for just £1 from the local council, with promises of a grand multi-million-pound renovation.

The plans included creating restaurants, hotel rooms, and a cinema and theatre, all to be completed by 2012.

But here we are, 14 years later, and the site remains largely untouched, with only the minimal repairs required by law being carried out.

Promises Unkept and Growing Frustration

The local community’s frustration is palpable.

According to Ed Blake, a local councillor, the Winter Gardens project fell into neglect after the council staff overseeing it left, and the building was “forgotten about.”

The contract allowing the council to repurchase the property expired in 2015, and Blake has warned the current owners that they must either take action to restore the building or sell it to someone who will.

This year, two local figures—Ventnor Town Councillor Mark Jefferies and volunteer Wendy Marshall—took matters into their own hands.

They spent four hours clearing broken glass from the site, trying to make the area safer and cleaner for the community.

While Blake was grateful for their efforts, he emphasized that it shouldn’t be up to volunteers to maintain a private property.

He has now started discussions with council officers about possible enforcement actions if Hambrough Group fails to take responsibility.

Community Calls for Change

The Winter Gardens’ sad decline has sparked sorrow among many in the town.

Mark Jefferies, who has fond memories of the place, described how it was once a lively venue for concerts and even wrestling events.

“I’m really sad about it,” Jefferies said, sharing how locals had voiced their disappointment during the clean-up. “People were saying, ‘It’s such a shame’ and ‘The council should buy it back.'”

The locals aren’t the only ones concerned.

Many have expressed hope that the building can be restored to its former glory.

Jane Bateman, a local resident, called it a “tragedy” that such an iconic structure has been allowed to fall into ruin.

She believes it should be revived for the benefit of the community.

The Winter Gardens’ Future Still in the Balance

Last year, Storm Beatrice caused further damage to the building’s roof, and Hambrough Group stated they were still waiting for insurance payouts to cover the repairs.

A spokesperson for the company said they did not want the Winter Gardens to remain in its current state and expressed a desire to see the building used by the community.

But for many, words aren’t enough anymore.

Jefferies and Marshall, in return for their hard work cleaning up the site, have been invited by Hambrough Group to afternoon tea.

However, Jefferies made it clear that his main concern is not the invitation but the lack of real action to restore the building. “I just want to see action being taken,” he said.

As discussions continue and pressure builds, the future of the Winter Gardens remains uncertain, but the community is determined to see this once-proud landmark brought back to life.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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