Major plans to transform the Isle of Wight’s disused ice rink appear to have frozen.
Last year, Isle of Wight Distillery unveiled plans to take over the former Ryde Arena Planet Ice building on Ryde Esplanade, turning it into a landmark visitor attraction and new distillery hub.
The maker of Mermaid Gin submitted an application to the Isle of Wight council, but the proposals have now been withdrawn.
Isle of Wight Distillery was not the owner of Ryde Arena when it lodged its application, at the beginning of October.
‘Mermaid Centre’ would create jobs
It had proposed a project similar to Hampshire’s Bombay Sapphire Visitor Centre, and said its ‘Mermaid Centre’ would create jobs.
A retail outlet, distillery and bottling area, hospitality and customer experience space, third-party operated restaurant and offices for staff were all included in the plans.
Night-time operations
Clarification was being sought by council officers about night-time operations, including deliveries and dispatches.
In its original plan, Isle of Wight Distillery said its current base, at Nettlestone, was running at maximum capacity and it said there was a pressing need to relocate.
No objections
Ryde Town Council and Island Roads had not objected and there were no complaints from anyone else.
Isle of Wight Distillery has been contacted for comment and the reason for the plan’s withdrawal has not been made public.
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
