There could soon be a new Isle of Wight youth centre in Sandown’s former town hall – alongside previously approved new flats and houses.
The Isle of Wight Council is trying to bring the dilapidated Grafton Street building back to life. It has stood empty for years.
Facilities for a youth hub have been proposed – including a pool table, computer station and outside area. There would also be opportunities for the space to be used for education, training, sport and community events.
The town hall and former fire station, which is 150 years old, has previously played host to young people – its last occupant was Central Eltham youth project, which moved out in 2017.
The council says significant work needs to be done, stemming from the building’s age and the poor quality of refurbishments.
The authority says the public benefit of restoring the hall, saving the building from further dilapidation, outweighs the harm caused to some of the rooms. A lift is proposed to be installed in the Grade II listed building, in a part of the town hall which holds less historical significance and has been altered over the years.
View the plans, 23/00886/LBC, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be made until 19th June.
Looks like the Town Hall could do with an uplift, why is it in such disrepair?