The Winter Gardens in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, was once a vibrant spot that drew in tourists with its stunning clifftop views stretching all the way to France.
The building even attracted notable figures like Queen Elizabeth and David Bowie.
However, today, it’s a shadow of its former self and has been labeled an “eyesore” by locals.
The once-celebrated art deco structure has fallen into disrepair after being bought by the Hambrough Group in 2011, who promised a grand transformation that never came to fruition.
A Bold Promise That Fell Short
When the Hambrough Group purchased the Winter Gardens from the council for just £1, they had ambitious plans.
They proposed transforming the building with two restaurants, 20 hotel rooms, and a multi-use cinema and theatre.
The plans were meant to be completed by 2012, but after carrying out only the essential repairs they were legally required to do, the building has been left to deteriorate ever since.
Local councillor Ed Blake expressed frustration, noting that the project was effectively “forgotten about” after the staff member overseeing it left their post.
The Winter Gardens in Decline
At the height of its popularity, the Winter Gardens was home to The Lower Third, the band that included a young David Bowie, known at the time as Davy Jones.
Queen Elizabeth II also visited the site in 1965 during a trip to the Isle of Wight, where she planted a fir tree at Ventnor Park and later toured the building.
Unfortunately, the property’s condition has significantly declined over the years.
The contract that would have allowed the council to repurchase the site expired in 2015, and now, councillor Blake has warned that if the building isn’t restored or sold to someone who will care for it, he’ll push for legal action.
Community Efforts to Clean Up
As the building falls further into disrepair, concerned locals have been taking matters into their own hands.
Last month, Ventnor Town Councillor Mark Jefferies and litter picker Wendy Marshall spent hours clearing broken glass from the site.
Although they were grateful for their efforts, councillor Blake emphasized that it shouldn’t be up to residents to maintain a private property.
He is now exploring options to take legal action and force the owners to address the building’s state.
A Shared Sense of Loss
Many locals, including councillor Jefferies, have expressed their sadness over the building’s neglect.
Jefferies recalled the Winter Gardens as a place that once hosted concerts and even wrestling events.
He and other residents are frustrated by the situation, with many passers-by commenting on the sorry state of the building.
Some even suggested the council should repurchase the site to restore it to its former glory.
The situation has sparked a sense of loss in the community.
For years, the Winter Gardens was a place full of life, and now, its decline feels like a tragedy.
Local resident Jane Bateman called for the building to be brought back to its “former glory,” reflecting the sentiments of many who feel the same way.
The once-iconic building, which could have played a significant role in the community, now stands as a sad reminder of what has been lost.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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