The Isle of Wight Council has successfully concluded a hard fought legal process over the future of the historic Hammerhead Crane in Cowes – securing reimbursement for the cost of urgent repairs from the site’s former owners.
The landmark 150ft structure, which dominates the Cowes skyline, was at risk of collapse due to severe corrosion.
After what the council described as a lack of action from the owners, Urgent Works Notices were issued in 2014 and again in 2016.
The authority then stepped in to carry out stabilisation works itself, using Island-based contractors, to protect the Grade II* listed crane.
Funding for the emergency works was provided by Historic England, with repairs carried out to key elements of the structure including the tower, jib and ballast box.
Following a series of appeals, the council last year secured a ruling confirming the previous owners of the land were responsible for the costs – meaning taxpayers will not be left to foot the bill.
The council has since recovered £358,000 and, after reimbursing the public purse for officer costs, £348,000 has been returned to Historic England.
Lee Byrne, the council’s conservation projects officer, said:
“The Hammerhead Crane is a much-loved landmark that reflects the Island’s proud shipbuilding heritage, and we were determined to see it saved.
“This outcome ensures that the financial burden falls where it should – with the owners. It also sends a clear message about protecting important heritage assets.”
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, the local ward member, said:
“This has been a hard-fought campaign, and it’s thanks to the support of so many people in the community that we’ve finally achieved the outcome we hoped for.
“Richard Quigley MP and Ed Checkley from the Cowes Hammerhead Crane Trust have been instrumental, showing real determination in helping bring this to fruition. I’m absolutely delighted and hugely relieved to see such an important part of our heritage secured for the future.”
Tom Foxall, Historic England regional director, said:
“This is a win for heritage and a win for the council who rightly pursued the case with our support.
“The reimbursed money will be helping other heritage at risk sites this year via our grant programme. The Hammerhead Crane is an important local landmark and we’re delighted to see it restored.”
The 80-tonne crane, built in the early 1900s, is the only surviving pre-First World War hammerhead crane of its kind in England.
It played a vital role in Cowes’ shipbuilding past, lifting heavy boilers and engines into naval vessels during both world wars.
