An Isle of Wight sailing charity has thrown its weight behind controversial plans for shower and toilet facilities at the Victoria Barracks site in East Cowes.
UKSA has put its support on record for Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) revised proposal for the Guardhouse on Albany Road and said it has agreed in principle to rent the building to CHC in exchange for pontoon space.
The charity has taken a 99-year lease from the Isle of Wight Council for Victoria Barracks, which is being used as a maritime education centre for children and young people and was recently visited by Princess Anne.
Its intervention comes after independent East Cowes councillor Karl Love maintained his objection to the plans, warning of ‘damage’ to the whole historical feature.
Built to support the military contingent serving Queen Victoria and the Royal Family at Osborne House and Trinity Wharf, the Guardhouse is an original part of the 1872 barracks, according to CHC’s agent, ERMC.
Cat Dixon, CEO of UKSA, told planners:
“The Guardhouse is an important historic building, and we strongly support bringing it back into active and appropriate use.
“Its restoration and use as part of the wider Victoria Barracks and waterfront area would help protect local heritage while enabling practical public benefit.
Article continues below this advertisement “UKSA has agreed in principle to rent the Guardhouse to CHC in exchange for pontoon space. This arrangement is strategically important for UKSA because it will support safer access to the Solent for our students, instructors and operational teams.
“We also support the proposed secure fence and privacy screens between the Guardhouse and the Barracks building.”
UKSA added that clear physical separation, secure boundaries and privacy screening will help ensure the Guardhouse can be brought back into active use while protecting the safeguarding environment required for young people staying, training and learning with the charity.
