Earlier in the week News OnTheWight reported on the Isle of Wight council’s plans to demolish a former education centre to make way for housing.
Thompson House on Sandy Lane, Gatcombe was once an education tuition centre and the base for Isle of Wight council education staff, as well as part of the former Whitecroft Hospital. The local authority was given £135,000 by the Government in 2021 to free up the Thompson House land for housing.
Escape rooms specialist
However, Random-Rooms, the escape rooms specialist based on the Isle of Wight, tell News OnTheWight that they’re currently researching the possibility of submitting a bid to purchase the site.
Originally based in East Cowes, and now in Newport, Random-Rooms have been operating for more than years.
“Some amazing ideas for new experiences”
Alex Chalkley from Random-Rooms told News OnTheWight,
“Every year Random-Rooms see thousands of escapees come and experience the puzzle solving fun at Random-Rooms.
“However, we have found an interesting building that could potentially be used as a second site for Random-Rooms. Yes, it’s true – we have some amazing ideas for new experiences that would need a bit more space, although our much-loved existing rooms would continue.”
“Vital to keep the rural feel of the site”
Random-Rooms say they have a more creative idea than the council’s plans to demolish the building. Alex continued,
“We could keep the existing building and expand Random-Rooms! Adding more trees (rather than cutting any down to build housing), hedgerows and wild flowers to the site will help keep this rural site beautiful, provide privacy for neighbours and create an interesting and mysterious building shrouded in nature.
“Parts of the existing sprawl of carparking would be removed and re-natured. We feel it would be vital to keep the rural feel of the site and not create any additional impact for nearby buildings or environments.”
Job opportunities
Alex finished by saying,
“A second site could also see Random-Rooms providing job opportunities.
“It will be a serious challenge for us to compete with residential developers, but we like a challenge and are prepared to do all we can to make our crazy plans a reality so we can offer you even more exciting escape room experiences.”
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
