On the article published yesterday dismissing the rumours that Tesco are negotiating a deal to buy Carisbrooke Castle (yes, really!) a comment popped up suggesting another supermarket chain was looking to buy Rew Valley sports field in Upper Ventnor.
Luke said,
Have heard that Morrisons want to build a store on Rew Valley sports field in Upper Ventnor (including a petrol station on the Astro Turf pitch)
OnTheWight got in touch with the council first thing this morning to ask whether anyone had approached them to purchase the sports centre or fields.
A spokesperson for the council told OnTheWight,
“As set out in the forward plan the Council’s Property Disposal and Capital Programme is due to consider a proposal to lease the Rew Valley sports centre to the Island Free School, this does not include the playing fields which are under the control of St Francis Primary school.”
Taken over by the Island Free School
Subsequently, another reader got in letting us know the Island Free School has recently signed a deal with the Isle of Wight council to takeover running the Rew Valley Sports Centre from September 2014.
On their Website, the Free School confirm they have “signed an agreement to take over the running of this centre, which is currently used by St Francis Primary School, and local community groups”.
Headmaster Steph Boyd said,
“It’s important for us to offer our pupils the very best – and support our local community.
“We have therefore come to a financial agreement with the Isle of Wight Council that will keep this exceptional amenity open and give our students direct access to some of the best sports facilities on the Island.
“The wonderful St Francis School will have continued access during the day, and local community groups will be able to use the facilities after school hours and at weekends.”
Article edits: Update added from Isle of Wight council at 9.20am on 30th May
