The first meeting to discuss a potential Community Right to Bid for the Ventnor Winter Gardens drew a crowd of 50–60 residents on Tuesday evening.
People began arriving more than 15 minutes before the start, filling the room to standing capacity.
Understanding the Community Right to Bid process
Chairing the meeting, Steve Witheyman opened proceedings before Councillor Ed Blake explained how the Community Right to Bid process works.
Councillor Blake said that since the building was successfully listed as an Asset of Community Value, the owner has now informed the Isle of Wight Council of his intention to sell. However, no asking price has been disclosed.
Councillor Blake said,
“The purpose of tonight is to sort out how we [the community] wish to give our rubber stamp to potential bidders to have dealings with the owner.”
He added that the meeting also served to highlight the opportunity to any interested buyers, whether they aim for community ownership, a hybrid model of business and community use, or a fully commercial venture.
Forming a steering group
Councillor Blake told attendees that around two dozen potential bidders have already contacted him about taking over the iconic venue. Some, he said, were speculative, while others had developed serious, viable plans.
One resident asked who would handle these bids. Councillor Blake replied that a small steering group would be formed to refine the brief and ensure all proposals were presented clearly for the community to assess.
He said he already had some ideas for who could sit on the group, which he expected to include no more than ten members. Anyone interested was invited to contact him via his Isle of Wight Council email address – [email protected]
Balancing community goals and building condition
The community, Councillor Blake said, would need to decide how to rank proposals – whether to prioritise community use or the physical integrity of the building.
He reminded residents that any group taking on the Winter Gardens would face substantial repair costs, estimated at between £300,000 and £400,000, before the council’s enforcement requirements could be met.
Ventnor resident, Daniel, asked if Councillor Blake wanted the community to set criteria in advance or take part in developing them. He said it was important to take an objective approach.
Questions on enforcement and valuation
When Sam Collins asked what effect the Community Right to Bid has on the enforcement process, Councillor Blake explained that the two are entirely separate. The owner must still complete the 19 action points under the enforcement notice, regardless of the sale process.
Councillor Blake also said he had requested a new valuation of the building, but had not yet received it.
Memories of previous community efforts
John Allen, who worked at the Winter Gardens in 2019, said it was possible to operate the venue profitably, recalling that it traded at a profit for ten months during his time there.
He suggested the current owner might be “buying time rather than wanting to sell.” John also chaired the community bid in 2012–13, which he said had developed a credible business plan, charitable structure, and pledges of around £50,000 from the town.
Concerns about unrealistic valuations
Councillor Blake noted that the owner had turned down substantial offers in the past and said,
“The owner needs a reality check.”
He referred to a 2019 surveyor’s valuation that suggested it would be difficult to achieve more than £300,000, adding that the building’s condition has worsened since then.
Stephen Izatt, owner of the Ventnor Arts Club and one of the previous bidders, said that because the owner once held planning permission (now lapsed) for a hotel and conference centre, he might still believe the site is worth a hotel valuation.
Listing and the building’s historic value
David, from the Marlborough Association (I think that’s what he said), suggested that the community could push for listing before the building reaches its centenary in 2036. He noted that several Art Deco buildings had recently gained listed status and that listing could protect features such as the sprung dance floor.
Councillor Blake said an official had already been in touch with him about a potential listing, showing interest in the dance floor and other elements – though he added there was a rumour it may have already been removed and sold.
John Allen recalled the dance floor’s poor condition in 2019 and questioned the building’s architectural merit, warning that listing might deter buyers.
Stephen Izatt advised against listing, arguing that the main hall could be modernised more easily without restrictions.
Differing views on preservation
Former councillor Debby Robinson said that when she served on Ventnor Town Council, The Theatres Trust had visited but declined to offer funding support. She said the building had “historic value, but no architectural value.”
Ken Collins added that different levels of listing could allow the protection of the exterior while permitting internal changes.
Calls for accountability and next steps
Steve Witheyman noted that creating a charitable trust to take on the building would involve a significant amount of work with no guarantees. He reminded attendees that the owner is under no obligation to sell if he does not like the offers.
Stephen Izatt suggested the community could consider a civil action against the council officers who approved the sale of the venue to Wight House Ltd, owned by Kevin Sussmilch of the Hambrough Group.
Residents requested written assurance from the Isle of Wight Council that it will enforce the pre-Section 215 letter issued earlier this year if work is not completed.
Councillor Blake confirmed that full enforcement could, in theory, lead to a compulsory purchase by the IW Council – which could then immediately resell the property to a preferred bidder.
Meeting closed with strong community spirit
As the meeting closed, Steve Witheyman acknowledged the strength of feeling in the room and said the owner should be aware that community pressure “is not going to go away.”
A follow-up meeting focusing on enforcement is planned for early December, with details to be announced once confirmed.
Find out more
You can read the history of the venue over the last twenty years in OnTheWight’s Ventnor Winter Gardens archive.
