A fresh phase of restoration has been proposed for Sandown Town Hall, with the Isle of Wight Council seeking Listed Building Consent for a series of external works at the historic site.
The Grade II-listed building on Grafton Street could soon benefit from repairs and improvements to the front, rear and side areas, as part of ongoing efforts to breathe new life into the 150-year-old former municipal building.
Built in the late 19th century in the Neo-Classical style, Sandown Town Hall has been the subject of growing community interest in recent years, including proposals to turn the site into a youth centre.
According to a Heritage, Design and Access Statement submitted by consultants ERMC, the latest proposals take a “considered and sympathetic approach” to restoring the building’s function and visual appeal. It follows previous approvals for internal remedial works.
The planned works involve:
- Repairs to existing external surfaces
- Replacement of existing bolt-on railings with new railings for improved safety and aesthetics
- Restoration works in the private rear courtyard, where most of the visual changes will be focused
Public consultation on the planning application is open until 19th May, with a decision expected on 29th May.
This marks the latest step in the journey to revive the town hall, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in September 2023.
Rather than wasting money on a building no one ever sees
surely it would be more beneficial to spend the money
sprucing up Sandown.
Holidaymakers who pay a lot of money visiting the island
will never see the Town Hall, but they will see all the
dumps in Sandown and may never return to turd town.
No one seems to get their priorities right on the
island.