A 5-year lease could be given to the new tenant of the popular Isle of Wight family attraction, Browns.
Browns Golf Course, on Culver Parade in Sandown, has been open since the end of July under Paul Saville, after previous uncertainty over its future.
Now the Isle of Wight Council is looking to secure the longevity of the attraction while it works on regeneration plans for Culver Parade and Yaverland.
It means Mr Saville could be in place until 2027 although a ‘mutual’ 6-month break clause has been written into the contract for early termination if required.
New tenants were first sought for the business back in May — after the previous holders ended their tenancy — at which point 29 people came forward. Only 8 of those submitted a bid.
To get the attraction open for Summer, the council had a budget of £65,000.
At the moment, the putting greens, pitch and putt course and the front section of the pavilion are open, offering ice creams and hot and cold refreshments.
Previously, Mr Saville said he fell in love with Browns after visiting for almost 20 years and looked forward to working with the council to ensure it has a very bright future and is a place for all to enjoy.
Going forward, it is hoped the rest of the building and courses could be opened so the full potential of Browns could be realised, but there are still major repairs waiting to happen.
A survey of the property was undertaken earlier in the year and it was determined more than £240,000 of work needed to be done either urgently (in 6 months), essentially (in 2 years) or longer term (in 10 years).
Work totalling £117,000 needed to be done in the next 6 months.
The delegated decision to grant the lease will not be made until 30th August by Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, the cabinet member for economy, regeneration, culture and leisure.
I so hope it is a success . Good luck Paul!
Its a little piece of whats left of the old Isle of Wight with its traditional charm and the sort of thing people used to come here for.
Yes I used to work on the boating lake in 1976 great fun great people good times !
The Boating Lake was great fun.
I loved the old wooden Canoes, they use to take in water but added
to the fun.
The Boating Lake cafe and amusements was great fun.
The Island was a great place back in the 60’s,70’s and 80’s,
After that it went down hill.
The Island can be great again, the Island needs a Tourism Dept
who understands Tourism.
I don’t think the council wants tourism anymore,they want houses and retail now,it’s more income for them
I echo your sentiments I hope it’s a success well done Paul