Plans by the Ventnor Town Council to turn the Coastal Visitors Centre into a vibrant enterprise hub have been thwarted by the Isle of Wight council, who insist they will sell the building on the open market rather than transfer through the Community Asset Transfer Scheme.
Ventnor's town clerk explains why it is important to keep the Coastal Visitors Centre within the hands of community and shares details of the proposed Enterprise Hub.
The Coastal Centre has a fascinating history, it was bought by the local Ventnor council in 1945 with a loan from the Ministry of Health. Now the Isle of Wight council want to sell it off to the highest bidder rather than let the local council have it for community use.
The Strategic Manager for Economy, Tourism and Events informs Ventnor town council that the Coastal Centre will not be protected for future economic and community use. There is no right of appeal.