A group of concerned residents have put together a Facebook campaign to save the Grand Hotel in Sandown from being demolished.
The owner of the property, who also owns the Savoy Hotel – the subject of a large fire in December 2011 – and The Royal York in Ryde, plans to demolish the Sandown hotel and replace with a new structure.
“Historically important building”
Campaigners say the plans for the new building are akin to an office block and stress that sympathetic renovations could preserve the “historically important building”.
They say a sprung-floored ballroom, with Art Deco fittings throughout, as well as the interior of the famous ship The Aquitania, should be saved from destruction.
Not fit for purpose says owner
The owner, Isle of Wight Hotels Ltd, argues that 22 of the 62 bedrooms are not fit for purpose, being too small or not able to meet modern fire precautions.
They say that if they are to continue to trade in the desirable location, they will need to demolish the building and construct a new one.
Have your say
Members of the public have until 14th December to submit their comments with the Isle of Wight council.
Comments can be lodged through the planning Website
If you’d like to see what the online campaign to save the hotel has to say, pop over to the Save The Grand Hotel Sandown Isle of Wight Facebook page.
