We heard last week that hopes to save the building of the former Chale Primary school for the community, were dealt a huge blow by the Isle of Wight Council (IWC).
We popped in to see Andrew Davidson who is co-ordinating the project to take over the building for use as a heritage and community centre to find out more.
Andrew explained that after the school closed last year, the group approached the IWC to request to take over the building through a Community Asset Transfer, with a long lease and favourable rent.
Lots of work was put in to action this, creating a business plan for a feasible scheme, showing real and meaningful benefit to the community. This was submitted to the IWC just under two weeks ago.
Goal posts are moved at the last minute
At a meeting held with the IWC last Friday, the group were informed that the IWC have reversed the lease offer, and that if they want to use the building, they’d have to buy it on the open market through a sealed bid process. Unfortunately, the IWC haven’t given any indication of the guide price.
Understandably, this was a massive blow for those involved.
Knight in shining armour
However, a knight in shining armour emerged at one of the many public meetings being held to discuss the project’s development.
According to Andrew, a Chale resident, with a love of community and heritage, stepped forward offering to fund the purchase of the building from the council, so that it can remain in the hands of the community.
What would building be used for?
This incrediable act of generosity means that the buildings could still be used as intended.
- A year-round pre-school is planned
- A local artist is hoping to have a studio and workshop based there
- Chale Community Project being run with the Ellen MacArthur Trust intend to have their base at the old school site
- Not to mention the many other fitness classes, workshops and talks
Andrew had much more to share in relation to the logistics of the group purchasing the building, including details of an appeal to raise funds for the scheme.
To find out more about the project visit the Chale Heritage and Community Website.
Listen to the podcast by clicking on the play button below.
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/andrew-davidson-chale-heritage-project.mp3]
