After suggestions Dinosaur Isle could leave Sandown, it has been confirmed it will stay put and talks with the Natural History Museum and the Hampshire Cultural Trust continue.
The Isle of Wight council is looking to secure the future of the tourist attraction.
Two partners
We now know, one partner will manage its fossil collection, while a commercial partner will run the museum itself – a joint working agreement is being drawn up.
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight council’s cabinet member for the environment and heritage, told a meeting the museum’s future is part of the wider regeneration bid for the area.
New attractions for Culver Parade?
It could see new attractions for Culver Parade – with Dinosaur Isle the key to its success, said Cllr Bacon.
The building needs repairs and will cost nearly £1 million to fix.
Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Council lost an estimated £417,700 between 2017 and 2023, however it is hoped it will break even in 2023-2024.
The council has applied for government funding. It will find out whether it has been successful in December.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © The Lost Duver Project – Sea Thrift by Dinosaur Isle
