Thanks to Claire for this great news for Sandown Bay heritage. Ed
The Bay Coastal Community Team are delighted to announce that in a combined effort they have secured £75,000 from the Department of Communities and Local Government to support two exciting new heritage projects in Sandown Bay.
£50,000 has been awarded to support the restoration of the PLUTO Pump House in Sandown, a 1930s golf pavilion which disguises the PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean) machinery.
A key role in D-Day efforts
Peter Fellows, Lead AONB Officer and Down to The Coast project manager explains,
“Sandown’s PLUTO Pump House played a key role in the nation’s D-Day efforts. The local community have now come together to save this asset for public enjoyment. The restoration and conservation of the pump-house and PLUTO machinery will not only enable public access to the building and celebrate its story for the first time, but also act as a lever to enhance access and appreciation of the wider historic landscape.”
Recharging the Battery
The Recharging the Battery project has received £25,000 to enable the feasibility study and options appraisal for the restoration of Sandown’s historic Barracks Battery.
Ian Boyd from Arc Consulting who submitted the project on behalf of the Bay CCT says,
“Sandown Barracks Battery is a site of national heritage significance and there is strong local desire to see it revived. CRF funding will deliver plans for a sustainable tourism attraction and a landmark public space. Both bids overcame enormous competition to secure funding and drew special commendation from the DCLG.”
He went on to explain,
“The Bay CCT has set out its objectives: to bring to the service of economic regeneration the cultural and natural heritage of the Bay wherever it is a part of the public realm, the open and shared spaces free for all to use, visitors and local residents alike. The Barracks Battery and the Pluto Line Pump-house projects are perfect examples of this aspiration.”
Helping to expand the visitor economy
Ashley Curzon, Head of Economic Development at the IW Council said,
“These projects will help knit together the suite of outstanding coastal heritage assets, built and natural, that belong to the Bay.
“Together they will help to create visitor and community service, build local business, enhance and expand the visitor economy and improve local community facilities, all driven by unexplored heritage in the public realm.”
For more information on the Coastal Revival Fund recipients, see the Website
