The former Gaiety Amusement Arcade on Ventnor Esplanade, which was destroyed by fire back in June, has begun its restoration journey.
As previously reported by Island Echo, back on 7th June fire crews from Shanklin, Ventnor, Sandown, Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Freshwater and East Cowes were mobilised to the seafront at just before 18:00 as smoke billowed from the partially demolished structure.
More than 45 firefighters were involved in the operation using main jets, hose reel jets and the Aerial Ladder Platform to dowse the flames. Water was relayed from a nearby paddling pool and a dam was established to help keep the water flowing.
After some 9 hours of firefighting, the blaze was finally brought under control and extinguished by 03:00 the next morning (8th June).
Despite being treated as arson at first, a few days later it was confirmed that Police had ruled out arson and third-party involvement.
It has now been confirmed by both the owner and the contractors working at the site that the structure has been carefully dismantled and sent to specialists so its strength can be tested and to check if it can be reconstructed.
Those responsible for the restoration will be local specialists and craftsmen.
Whilst the news is positive, there has been no time frame estimated as to when the restoration would be complete by.
This is excellent news! I’m so glad that it is going to be re-built! I can’t wait to get in there and have a go on the latest arcade games and one armed bandits! 😉
A prime example of the power of money. The dome will not come back, as it will be deemed weakened by the fire. As for it not being arson, despite, people seen constructing “bonfires” under the dome, piling up wood ready to burn, a car heading away at speed minutes before the fire took hold, and countless witnesses noticing “suspicious” activities before the fire. Forget brown envelopes, this cover up was paid for by a huge treasure chest of cash.
That’s it you won’t see that again the decision has been made if there were a chance of it being restored it would have been tested in situ and the expense of Diana telling and rebuilding avoided…, after a questionable fire and the quickest investigation in fire history (2 days ) to establish no suspicious circumstances but no explanation as to how a fire started they really are mugging everyone off