Ventnor Winter Gardens: Delegated Decision Made: Hambrough Group Gets Buy Option

VB readers will remember a couple of weeks ago, we announced news of the delegated decision report for the disposal of the Ventnor Winter Gardens.

George BrownAs Cllr George Brown, the man who says yes or no, was on holiday at the time, news of his decision has been delayed until now.

A delegated decision notice has just been released by the council, revealing “THAT the disposal of Ventnor Winter Gardens to Robert Thompson’s Hambrough Group on the terms set out in Appendix D (embedded below for your convenience) of the report, be agreed.”

Significant investment
The reason for the decision, rather than one of the other options, was “To support the Council’s key corporate priority of Regeneration and the Economy, by enabling a significant investment in the site by Robert Thompson’s Hambrough Group and produce anticipated direct and indirect employment in the Town.”

Other bidders rejected
Other options considered but rejected were

  • Option (2) – Agree to the disposal of Ventnor Winter Gardens to Robert Thompson’s Hambrough Group on the terms set out in Appendix D amended such that the auditorium is to be retained for the purposes shown for a period of twenty (20) years.
  • Option (3) – Not agree to the disposal of Ventnor Winter Gardens to Robert Thompson’s Hambrough Group.
  • Option (4) – Terminate negotiations with Robert Thompson’s Hambrough Group, appoint the next best bidder to be the preferred bidder and commence negotiations with it for the disposal of Ventnor Winter Gardens.
  • Option (5) – Undertake a new marketing exercise for the disposal of Ventnor Winter Gardens without any restrictions on its use.

An appendix of representations received and responses given by the council is embedded below for your convenience.

Should other IW councillors oppose the decision the call-in period expires at 5pm on 15th September.

Update 16:38: Altered headline

Ventnor Winter Gardens Record of Decision Appendix

Appendix D
Ventnor Winter Gardens Report Appendix D