An ambitious scheme to transform Medina Village into a major maritime heritage and activity centre has been unveiled, with the Hammerhead Crane at its heart.
The ‘Maritime Isle’ vision would see the under-used Medina Village boatyard, home to the iconic Hammerhead Crane and the Classic Boat Museum, brought into a range of new uses celebrating the Isle of Wight’s maritime past while supporting future skills, jobs and tourism.
Stakeholders attended a meeting at the Classic Boat Museum as part of a consultation on proposals to transform the 6-acre site of the former J Samuel White shipyard and offices.
Plans envisage the site becoming a destination for families, schools and specialist audiences, showcasing the Island and Solent area’s rich history of boat and shipbuilding.
Central to the proposals is the Hammerhead Crane, which would become a centrepiece of the attraction in a move aimed at safeguarding the historic structure for future generations.
The wider scheme would involve the sensitive restoration and development of buildings across the site and waterfront.
Building 118, currently a post-war boatshed retaining much of its industrial character, would be transformed into an exhibition space capable of housing some of the Classic Boat Museum’s larger exhibits.
Proposals include a glass wall facing the River Medina and the creation of 3 floors accommodating facilities including a café and children’s play area, conference space and an art gallery.
Michael Loftus, chairman, told those attending the stakeholder meeting that considerable work was still needed before the project could become a reality.
This includes securing tenure or a partnership for the site, testing its suitability, submitting a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and securing funding from private sources.
He said:
“We believe this is all achievable, but it is very important to engage with people from the wider island community, heritage organisations and local and national government.”
Also attending the meeting was Maritime Isle consultant Dr Matthew Tanner MBE, who has worked on major maritime heritage projects in Bristol and Liverpool.
Drawing comparisons with the regeneration surrounding Brunel’s famous steamship in Bristol, he said:
“The SS Great Britain project in Bristol was all about repurposing a derelict industrial space and this has many echoes of that.”
Further details about the Maritime Isle proposals are available through the Classic Boat Museum.
