Former pupils of Yarmouth Primary will be heading back to school on Friday this week for a slice of nostalgia and to share memories at one of two open sessions.
The school, which was closed after pupils were moved to All Saint’s School in Freshwater, has been registered as an asset of community value, giving the community six months to save the building from being sold to a developer.
Community use
Jill Cowley, who has been pushing for former pupils to be able to visit the school, told News OnTheWight that the two events will also provide a great opportunity for members of the Yarmouth community to see how the site could be used for community benefit.
Marketed this year
The Isle of Wight council had said the site would be marketed in the early part of 2023, but it did not have any specific plans for it.
They said that if it were to be sold, it would only be after discussions with town councillors and representatives.
Rumours abound
Mrs Cowley argued that there has been a lack of consultation with the public about what will happen to the site.
She said rumours had been circulating of plans for 24 luxury flats to go on the site.
Suggestions for other uses
Suggestions for alternative uses of the site include a local boat builder wanting to run apprenticeships at the site, a sailing and watersports education centre, a centre for the Greenway hub, a home education hub, an environmental studies centre and even community-led housing.
Mrs Cowley told News OnTheWight,
“The main gripe is that Yarmouth School was covenanted, given to the people of Yarmouth for the education of children and adults and that covenant has been done away with without consultation and the sale has been pushed through without the consultation they have promised.”
News OnTheWight asked the council to confirm whether the sale of the site had been agreed.
Andre: No decision has been made
Cllr Debbie Andre told News OnTheWight,
“The site has been registered as an ‘asset of community value’ so the site cannot be disposed of for six months.
“During this time, we will be speaking with stakeholders to look at a range of options. No decision has been made at this time.”
Open sessions
Former pupils and members of the Yarmouth community are invited to visit the school between the times below, but you need to let Jill Cowley know in advance so she can pass on names to the council:
- 10am – 11am
- 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Contact Jill Cowley [email protected] or call (01983) 760 327 to let her know you will be attending as the council require a list of names in advance.
Article edit
5.15pm 2nd Feb 2023 – comment from Cllr Andre added
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
