FOLLOWING news earlier this week that Browns Golf Course was to close, the Isle of Wight Council said it is seeking a short-term tenant to take it over and is looking for options for the entire seafront site.
Tributes came flooding in when one of the Isle of Wight's most popular and long-term attractions announced plans to close down following almost 90 years of service to the community.
Read more: Iconic Browns Golf Course to close down later this month
The golf course, in Sandown, has latterly been run as a family affair, for the past seven seasons, with Clare Oatley, John Deacon and Cheryl Brazer at the helm.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said today (Thursday): “The current tenant served notice to the authority that they wished to terminate their lease.
“The managers who operated the café and golf site on behalf of the tenant, were offered a short-term lease subject to negotiation, however they declined the opportunity.
“The Isle of Wight Council is currently looking at options for Browns, including a short-term tenant, while the long-term future of the site is decided as part of the Bay regeneration.”
Following the offer of only a one-year extension to the lease, the trio running the business decided it would be impossible to make any long-term plans and will call it a day later this month.
Clare said: "The development of the area has been on the cards for a few years, our lease was up for renewal and we were only offered one more year, which made it impossible to project the business forward, so we came to the decision as a family to move on.
"We hope the council allow someone to take this on as the cafe has become a hub for people of all ages.
Read more: Isle of Wight's Browns to close. Share your photos and memories!
"We're not sure what we will do from here and are incredibly sad that as far as we know this is it.
"We want to clarify the closure has nothing to do with Covid-19, it wasn't a financial decision."
Browns was officially opened in 1932 by the famous golfers Henry Cotton and Joe Kirkwood, and in recent years has boasted two nine-hole pitch and putt courses and two 18-hole full courses, as well as hosting a range of events in the cafe.
Clare, John and Cheryl have worked tirelessly to transform an unsightly venue into one which has provided entertainment, a serviceable course and a host of events.
Spike Oatley, the brother of Clare and son of Cheryl, who ran the popular Campfire Sessions, said: "I am incredibly proud of what my family managed to achieve.
"Nothing had been happening with the place in previous years and it had gained a bit of a bad reputation, the golf courses were overgrown to the point they had to find and replace some of the holes.
"I'm very proud to have played a small role in the legacy, and appreciate the support everyone has shown myself and my hard-working family."
John said: "It is a community hub here, with events such as the Campfire Sessions attracting people from all corners of the Island.
"The reaction from people since we announced the closure has been overwhelming, we are extremely grateful to all who helped make this such a fulfilling seven years."
Browns will officially close on Sunday, September 27.
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