Plans to safeguard the future of Dinosaur Isle in Sandown will go before senior Isle of Wight councillors next week.
As part of a potential new partnership with the Isle of Wight council, talks have already taken place with the world-renowned Natural History Museum in London, which could be brought onboard to help manage the Island museum’s important geology and fossil collection.
Would remain preserved on the Island
The collection we hold on the Island is second only in importance to that held by the Natural History Museum itself.
The artefacts and specimens, which include the partial fossilised remains of the largest meat-eating dinosaur ever found in Europe, would remain in council ownership and preserved on the Island where many of them were unearthed.
Seeking experienced commercial partner
According to Cabinet papers released today (Tuesday), the authority is also seeking an experienced partner to take on the day to day running of the museum as a commercially operated trust.
Initial discussions are underway with the Hampshire Cultural Trust to this end. The Trust currently manages museums and cultural venues for Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council.
Approval sought
Cabinet members are being asked to approve further negotiations with both potential partners as the council looks to underline its commitment to securing the long-term sustainability of Dinosaur Isle at Culver Parade and protect its Museum Accreditation.
A collection of national and international significance
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for heritage, said,
“The Island is well known for its wealth of dinosaur fossils and our collection which has national and international significance and is one of the Island’s most important heritage assets. Owning something of such significance brings responsibilities.
“These proposals will help us to meet our obligations by ensuring Dinosaur Isle is a sustainable visitor attraction and we build on the potential that is there, with high standards of curatorial care, underpinned by research and collaboration with national and international partners.
“The proposals also align with feedback received during recent stakeholder events hosted by the council at which retaining Dinosaur Isle in Sandown and operating it as a trust were the preferred options.”
Home to more than 30,000 geological specimens
The distinctive giant Pterodactyl building opened its doors in 2001 and is home to more than 30,000 geological specimens, mainly fossils including partial and near complete dinosaur skeletons.
Over the past 200 years, a whole menagerie of ancient animals has been found on the Island, from sauropods to theropods, with more species being unearthed on a regular basis.
Jones-Evans: Our hope is that this will kick-start wider investment
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, added,
“The museum sits at the very heart of the council’s ambition for Yaverland as a whole.
“Achieving a sustainable future for the collection and visitor attraction is paramount, so we can optimise the potential here, with a particular focus on the rich environment.
“Our hope is that this will kick-start wider investment in this area of the Bay, by acting as a potential catalyst for adjoining landowners and businesses.”
Cabinet is due to meet on Thursday 11th May and the reports are available to view on the Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © The Lost Duver Project – Sea Thrift by Dinosaur Isle
