Michael Dawson, the President of the Shanklin Hotel and Accommodation Association has issued as response to the news that Isle of Wight council will be taking a fresh look at the plans for Culver Parade.
As explained at last week’s Scrutiny and Cabinet meetings, this includes seeking a new location on the Island for the Dinosaurier-Park International plans. Dinosaur Isle Museum will remain in its current location for at least the next three years.
Dawson: A loss in the hospitality trade in the Bay area and beyond
However, Mr Dawson says,
“The Shanklin Hotel and Accommodation Association (SHAA) would like to state that the proposed decision of the IW Council to abandon the Dinosaur Isle proposal would result in a lot of local disappointment and a loss in the hospitality trade in the Bay area and beyond.
“We are the only hospitality association left on the Island and as such we feel that we need to speak out on the issue of this lost opportunity of a major tourist regeneration project, which could bring many thousands of pounds into the Island economy.”
Bacon: A site for Dinosaurier is being actively pursued
The Cabinet member for the Environment and Heritage, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, told News OnTheWight,
“I have to repeat, as was said clearly at last week’s Cabinet and Scrutiny Meetings, that the potential for a Dinosaurier site on the Island has not been abandoned and is being actively pursued.
“Appropriate locations are being assessed at the moment and a meeting with them will hopefully take place shortly.
“There is more risk to the potential for investment from people incorrectly asserting that they are not wanted on the Island as this is simply not correct.”
At last week’s meetings members were also informed that instead, an alternative regeneration proposal for Culver Parade will be developed focusing on environment and retaining heritage assets.
Tourists ask “What’s happened to Sandown?”
Mr Dawson goes on to say,
“We are the people that speak directly to our tourists and one of the most common comments we receive are “what’s happened to Sandown?”.
“The town and the wider Bay area need some serious investment and the Dinosaurier proposal would make the difference as in more employment, tourists and visitors. This would then result in more investment, regeneration and finance for the Bay and the whole Island.”
Dawson: “We do not need a revamped or mediocre idea taken from elsewhere”
Mr Dawson finished by saying,
“The right proposal could bring over so many more visitors, we do not need a revamped or mediocre idea taken from elsewhere; the Island needs something unique and different to attract new visitors for years to come.
“The Dinosaurier proposal fits the Bay area perfectly with its fossil finds and the Dinosaur Isle collection, who will benefit as well; let’s not even consider this unique collection being moved away from this area and leaving yet another building to rot.
“We as an Association are open to consultation with the Council. “
Bacon: “Scaremongering and incorrect assertions” could jeopardise plans
Cllr Bacon warned that those making incorrect assertions in the media could result in there being no bid to consult on. He said,
“At the Cabinet Meeting a formal part of the decision was to pursue all relevant and appropriate consultation and this will be done.
“However we do not want to have a position where scaremongering and incorrect assertions mean we have nothing to consult on!”
