Grand plans to restore landmark Norris Castle in East Cowes have been revealed.
In a public notice the owners of the Grade I and II listed buildings have set out plans for the site, as well as next-door’s Springfield Estate.
They ask any landowner or tenant to come forward in 21 days, but listed the extensive work proposed to turn the dilapidated buildings into a luxury resort and housing.
Luxury hotel
It is envisaged the Grade I listed castle, which Queen Victoria used to visit as a child, will be restored and converted into a luxury hotel with two linked buildings built, to provide a swimming pool, additional hotel rooms, as well as services and amenities.
Spa and wellness centre
The nearby Grade I Norris Castle Farm, bailiff’s house, cottage and walled kitchen garden would be converted into a spa and wellness centre providing treatment rooms, spa residences, a restaurant and cafe.
Homes on estate boundary
It is being proposed homes will be built outside of the estate boundary on the southwest field, as well as an access road through the Springhill Estate to provide a new entrance.
On the Grade II listed seawall, which would be repaired and restored to stabilise the land, four seafront buildings will be constructed for resort apartments.
Bathing house to restaurant
The Grade II bathing house ruin will be restored into a restaurant.
Along the waterfront more resort residences, a boathouse and slipway are proposed.
The Grade II pumphouse will be restored and converted into a clubhouse.
Grotto to be preserved
The four Grade II stone watering ponds will be restored, as well as the Grade I park and garden to preserve the grotto.
The Grade II cattle shelters would provide a resort residence, gatehouse and security building.
55-unit senior living scheme
An outline application will also be submitted for a 55-unit senior living scheme, with associated communal facilities across parts of the Springhill Estate and farm, retaining and converting existing buildings.
Ideas for the site have taken a while to come forward with no official planning application yet submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, although the Norris Castle Estate Group hinted it could be sometime this month.
Multiple consultations were undertaken by the developers while the plans were drawn up, which the Group hope will be ‘reflected’.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Wellington Estates
