The Botanic Garden in Ventnor are a much-loved, and oft-visited attraction to the Islanders and tourists alike.
We’ve heard from a number of sources that the Isle of Wight Council is looking at the possibilities of selling it off, among other options.
This isn’t just rumour. If you read the council’s Forward Plan, you’ll see the final line says “Ref: 1092/10 – Review of Ventnor Botanic Garden.”
Different options
VB asked the council, “How many different options are being considered aside from selling it off?”
We received a speedy reply, saying that they’ll give us more detail shortly. The summary – “we are looking at many options to maximise the potential of Ventnor Botanic Gardens (VBG).”
They also pointed out that they’re currently doing things to increase the income that the VBG can bring in, such as plans to establish it as a wedding venue and the recent partnership with the Royal Hotel to offer high-quality catering, to attract more visitors.
It wasn’t denied that it might be sold off.
The Forward Plan says the Anticipated Date of Decision is 12 October, 2010, which sounds pretty close, if an option is to sell it off – it’s now a mere two months away.
Consultation
The Consultees (ie the bodies that ‘those in charge’ have decided should be spoken to before any decision is made) are listed as – Customers; IWC staff; private sector contractors; Friends of Ventnor Botanic Garden; IWO Botanical Society; IWC Members; Officers.
The Forward Plan says that these people will be ‘Consulted’ using “Face to face survey; options appraisal.”
The council officer responsible for this is Ian Anderson in Community Services and the Cabinet Member overseeing it is Cllr George Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Planning.
What do you think?
If you were asked, what would you say about the potential of the Ventnor Botanic Garden being sold off? If someone buys it, it’s probably unlikely that it would stop being a free-to-use, always-open space, isn’t it?
Image: IW Council (We added the For Sale of course)
