A landmark Ventnor High Street building is to become home to a firm of solicitors, which is expanding into the South Wight with a second office.
Wilks Price Hounslow Solicitors, which already has an office in Ryde, is set to open at the former Hursts premises at 4 High Street in early November.
Owner Gabriella Coughi has acquired the building as part of the firm’s expansion plans for 2026 and 2027, with legal services including conveyancing, family law, wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and probate to be offered from the new office.
The move will also breathe new life into the prominent former Hursts building, which dates back to the 1840s.
Work has been underway since May, prompting speculation among locals about the future of the premises.
Gabriella intends to preserve and restore as much of the building’s historic character as possible, including exposing the original brass and timber shopfront.
The familiar Hursts signage is to be retained, while timber frames will be stripped back to their original hardwood and interior wood panelling reinstated as the premises are transformed into office and shop space.
The firm’s plans go beyond establishing a legal presence in the town, with part of the building also earmarked for community use.
Gabriella hopes a self-contained shop space can be made available at an affordable rate for activities, meetings and coffee mornings, supporting individuals, community groups and businesses in Ventnor.
The opening comes during a period of expansion for Wilks Price Hounslow, with several new additions having joined its Ryde operation earlier this year.
Joni Ade, who previously worked for the firm as a legal cashier between 2004 and 2006, has returned to take on practice management responsibilities.
Paula Griffiths, a CILEX paralegal, has joined the conveyancing department, while paralegal Lora Coombes is supporting the family department.
Gabriella said:
“I was delighted to expand the team as it has given us the extra capacity to continue to react and meet clients’ needs, but with the added flexibility a bigger team brings.
“The firm continues to meet high standards of client care, as well as giving me renewed inspiration for further expansion.”
Wilks Price Hounslow has a history in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight dating back to 1894.
After several mergers over the decades, an office was established in Ryde in 1977 under the name Sherwin Oliver. It later became Sherwin Price Hounslow before taking on the Wilks Price Hounslow name.
