Sandown Town Council has secured a strategic strip of land on the site of the derelict Ocean Hotel, following a successful bid of £100,000 at auction.
It’s said that the purchase, which is subject to completion, will reclaim seafront real estate for the benefit of Sandown’s community.
By acquiring this land, the Town Council gains a vital legal foothold between the previously sold parcels of land either side of the main derelict premises, giving the authority leverage.
To ensure the future of this public site meets the aspirations of residents and stakeholders, the Council will convene a series of working party meetings alongside opportunities for public engagement and participation over the coming months. This will give everyone a chance to have their say and help to guide visible change and benefit.
Mayor Alex Lightfoot explains:
“This land will have a decisive influence on any future solution to the derelict Ocean Hotel as well as being a valuable space for seafront amenities and services in its own right. Many have referred to this parcel of land as a ransom strip, due to its influential impact on the surrounding plots.
“The Town Council overwhelmingly agreed that we could not sit by and see yet another important plot land banked and condemned to permanent stagnation against the interests of all those who live, work and visit here.
Article continues below this advertisement “We hope that this purchase signals the Town Council’s commitment to Sandown’s recovery and shows its willingness to act decisively to protect the Town’s interests and build community empowerment.
“In preparation for urgent threats and opportunities, the Council has prudently saved over the past three years, strengthening its reserves beyond the best practice minimum, allowing us to take swift action on key projects where appropriate, without incurring financial risk or increasing borrowing. These are the funds that have been used for this acquisition.
Mayor Lightfoot concludes:
“We believe that by owning this land, the community of Sandown can start to take more direct control of the issues it faces and, working together, shape a better future.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Very shrewd move. At least it may keep the carpetbaggers Captiva at bay.
£100,000 of Sandown taxpayers money – bargain??
O yes, and they put up the council tax as well.