Ventnor Winter Gardens Steering Group announces community workshop to help shape practical proposals.
Following recent coverage on BBC South and in the local press, the Ventnor Winter Gardens Steering Group has announced the next step in the Asset of Community Value (ACV) process: a structured community workshop to generate realistic proposals for the building’s future use, on the morning of Saturday 7th March, in Ventnor.
Contact made with owner
This follows positive progress, including direct contact and discussions with the owner, Kevin Sussmilch.
He is looking forward to hearing constructive, forward-looking ideas coming from the workshop.
Ruiz: Solutions not slogans
On behalf of the Steering Group, Daniel Ruiz said,
“This is about solutions, not slogans.
“We need practical thinking, ideas that could genuinely operate, attract people to Ventnor, and create lasting community value.”
Bring a simple idea and a more ambitious idea
The workshop will bring together a limited number of participants prepared to contribute seriously.
Attendees will be asked to arrive with both a simple and a more ambitious idea for how the Winter Gardens might be used, outlining what it is, how it could work, when it might be delivered, and who can support it.
What to expect
The session will be professionally facilitated and structured around:
- Open brainstorming
- Combining ideas into phased plans
- Identifying risks and opportunities
- Clarifying practical next steps
The Steering Group emphasises that the day will operate under clear principles:
- Positive and constructive discussion
- Forward-looking mindset
- No revisiting past grievances
- Focus on what can be done
Places are limited to due to space and to ensure a productive environment.
How to request participation
Residents, businesses, cultural organisations and individuals who believe they can contribute constructively are invited to apply to attend.
Applicants should email: [email protected]
Including:
- Name and contact details
- A short (max 40-word) pen portrait
- Confirmation that they are willing to prepare ideas and work within the workshop principles
Successful applicants will receive further details and preparation notes.
Ruiz: Credible and achievable ideas
Daniel added,
“Ventnor has creativity, intelligence and energy.
“This workshop is about channelling that into something credible and achievable.”
News shared by Ventnor Winter Gardens Steering Group. Ed
