A CLIMBING wall and the 'Island's first' apart-hotel are among long-awaited plans to replace a derelict building and car park on Shanklin Esplanade.
The prominent location - known as the SPA site - has become an 'eyesore' in recent years, with calls for the Isle of Wight Council to do something with it.
Now, leading cabinet members are being asked to approve the freehold sale to a preferred, unnamed bidder, who is an Isle of Wight developer 'with a proven track record', according to cabinet papers.
Scroll down to see what it could look like ...
The recommended proposal, which would still need to obtain planning permission, comprises:
- A 30 room 'apart-hotel' — hotel rooms fitted with kitchens and living spaces offering short or long term accommodation, the 'Island's first';
- 14 private apartments with parking;
- Up to four leisure, retail or commercial units on the ground floor;
- A public climbing wall on the existing cliff retaining stricture;
- The refurbishment of the seven arches into offices or workshops;
- A communal garden area;
- 40 public pay and display car parking spaces
The Isle of Wight Council says the proposal would create a 'vibrant centre point' for the town's Esplanade, for people of all ages to enjoy, as well as business opportunities and an estimated 50 jobs.
As part of the deal, there would either be a contribution towards affordable housing, or the potential to improve the revetment walk between Shanklin and Sandown.
Shanklin Town Council was consulted on the plans last month (May), with many of its members in favour of the development.
At the meeting, Isle of Wight Council officers said the plan 'ticks a lot of regeneration boxes' and those behind the scheme are 'itching to get going'.
Mayor of Shanklin, Cllr Chris Quirk said the impressions were good and they would look a lot better than the current site.
Town councillors feared being too optimistic, however, because previous development schemes have fallen through.
Shanklin Central Councillor Adrian Whittaker said if the project does not go ahead the Isle of Wight Council 'must tidy up the whole site as it is an eyesore, and blot on the landscape'.
There were also concerns about the loss of coach parking spaces.
Cabinet will discuss the matter meeting next week, Thursday, June 17, potentially in private, due to the commercial nature of the bid.
The Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said she thought the proposal would make a big improvement to the historic esplanade.
She said: "The old building at the back of the current car park will be demolished at last and be replaced with amenities that will be more attractive to look at and use, and will bring more commercial prosperity to this area of the town.
"We are well aware of the need for new housing and start-up commercial space right across the Island, and this development offers both.
"It will also provide the Island’s first purpose-built apart-hotel, and a greater sense of place for visitors and residents alike.
"I expect the development to create an active and attractive frontage to the esplanade, and healthy activity opportunities for all ages.
"Since the loss of Shanklin Pier the area of the Spa site has been left without a focus, and I am very pleased that I now can recommend to cabinet such a strong proposal to put that right."
UPDATE, June 10:
The Isle of Wight Council has announced cabinet will now take place on Monday, June 20 — not Thursday, 16.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel