This in from Andrew Turner’s office. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner is encouraging Islanders concerned about the future of Osborne House to attend a meeting at 2pm today to hear the views of English Heritage for the wing which housed the former convalescent home.
The meeting will be held in the Victoria Hall at Osborne. People will also have the opportunity to make sure their own views are heard before any decisions are taken.
The convalescent home closed in 2000, and the building has subsequently been unused, currently costs English Heritage considerable sums to maintain.
They would like the restrictions on its use arising from the Osborne Estate Act (that it should be utilised for the benefit of former officers and senior civil servants) to be repealed to give them more freedom to utilise the building to enhance the visitor experience at Osborne or for some other purpose.
Mark Pemberton the English Heritage Board Member for the National Collections will be present together with other English Heritage representatives.
Mr Turner said, “Over the years I have had many letters from people concerned about the future of the Osborne Estate. I hope that Islanders will take this opportunity to come along, both to hear what English Heritage are considering and also to have their say on the future of this important and historic building.
“I have written to various organisations such as the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes to investigate whether they might be able to use it within the terms of the Osborne Estate Act, but so far without any positive results. I am very pleased that English Heritage is taking the views of the public into account and hope we will have a good turnout for the meeting on Saturday.”
