Thanks to Ian for sharing this latest news about the former Frank James Hospital. Ed
English Heritage have offered to stage their much acclaimed ‘Stopping the Rot‘ presentation in partnership with the Friends of Frank James on the Isle of Wight.
This follows the presentation of a 2,800 signature petition to Cllr Roger Whitby-Smith, the Island’s ‘Heritage Champion’, on Friday 6th June at County Hall, calling on the IW Council to serve an Urgent Repairs Notice on the owners of the former Frank James Memorial Hospital in East Cowes.
The Grade II listed building has remained abandoned and empty since being sold by the NHS to a group of speculators in 2002.
Pickard: “Growing impatience”
Friend of Frank James and Chartered Surveyor, Ian Pickard said,
“We are delighted that English Heritage have offered to come to the Island and make this presentation to the Friends of Frank James.
“It shows the growing impatience of those who promote and protect our national heritage at the Isle of Wight Council’s continuing failure to secure a sustainable and positive outcome for this important listed building and cherished local landmark.”
Securing heritage assets of the Island
Mr Pickard went on to say,
“We want this to be a watershed in the Council’s approach to Island Heritage. We therefore intend to open the event not just to the Friends of Frank James, but to anyone who wants to know how best to secure the future of irreplaceable heritage assets here on the Isle of Wight.
“There’s now a growing recognition that if left solely to the Council our heritage, much of it unique to the island, will be lost forever.”
The Friends are awaiting confirmation from English Heritage of proposed dates for the presentation which is likely to be held at either East Cowes Town Hall or Osborne House. Once these dates are known we will let everyone know.
Image: © Friends of the Frank James Hospital
