There has been much consternation about the future of Northwood House in Cowes and none more so since the Isle of Wight Council handed over responsibility for the building to the Trustees earlier last month.
It’s been confirmed that the Isle of Wight Registry Register Office will be moving away from the historical building from around October this year and are currently on the lookout for a new site.
But couples who were planning to get married there, are not the only ones with grave concerns.
Cowes Heritage’s Management Committee are far from happy with the Isle of Wight Council’s plan to “divest itself of all responsibility for Northwood House and its park”.
“Whatever the legal niceties appertaining to this property, the fact is that for 80 years the park and, to some extent the house, have been regarded as a much-appreciated community facility, its management entrusted to successive councils,” said Cowes Heritage’s chairman, John Groves. “For the latest local authority to unilaterally cut all its ties within the next few months, with no indication of any further funding, places quite an intolerable burden on the handful of volunteer trustees.”
More time and financial support needed
The Trustees are calling for more time and medium-term financial aid from the IWC so they can gather the right support for restoration, as well as find viable uses for the building.
“While the council at long last recognises the trust’s right to operate Northwood Car Park, it is regrettable another valuable income stream is being denied them by the shock decision to remove from the house the Registry Office.
“With the trustees facing crippling expenditure, not least in insuring and maintaining this extensive property, it is hard to see just where all the necessary funds will come from.”
“As a non-political group dedicated to recording and exhibiting the history of Cowes, Cowes Heritage cannot but remain fearful about the future of this Grade 2* Listed house and its beautiful grounds. Can it really be true that the momentous decision to prematurely cut ties with Northwood House was left to a senior officer without a full debate with the Cabinet?”
Fascinating facts uncovered in exhibition research
A forthcoming exhibition about Northwood House by Cowes Heritage in October/November has already uncovered fascinating facets about the property and it’s connection to the Ward family.
“It is time for all those Islanders who share Cowes Heritage’s grave misgivings about the council’s actions to make their feelings known to their councillors. Cowes is being grossly short-changed where it really hurts. Such an abrupt severing of all ties is no way for a local authority to behave towards a much cherished public amenity, whatever its financial problems.”
Image: Image: © Used with the kind permission of Isle of Wight Historic Postcards
