Isle of Wight clifftop eyesore Ventnor Winter Gardens criticised

The iconic art deco style building, which used to be in public ownership, was closed by the Isle of Wight Council in 2011.

It was purchased by the Hambrough Group for just £1 soon after and reopened as a private enterprise; its owners vowing to bring the Winter Gardens back to life and make it the heart of the Ventnor community.

Cllr Phil Jordan told the County Press he shares the concerns of the Ventnor community, but the council has “little to no power over the private owners”.

The sea facing side of Ventnor Winter Gardens (Image: IW County Press)

He says he is “disappointed and alarmed” by the deterioration of the fabric of the building.

“I expect better from the owners and call upon them to do the right thing for the community of Ventnor, for our visitors, and for the Island generally, by providing upkeep and maintenance as needed to the building,” said Cllr Jordan.

“It's becoming an eyesore. It should be a jewel in the crown for Ventnor and the whole town and seafront area. Sadly, it has become neglected.   

“I have asked council officers to contact the owners with a view to engaging and supporting the required works at the owners’ expense.”

A statement from Ventnor Town Council said: "We are concerned about the continued poor state of repair of the Winter Gardens building and would like to see the building maintained and brought to a level of public use once again.

"It is not just an important building for Ventnor, its residents and tourist trade, it is an important building for all Islanders and visitors alike to enjoyed and to preserve for generations to come.

"The art deco building needs urgent attention, and the town council is supportive of any appropriate measures that brings the building back into use for all Islanders and our important tourism trade, a life line for our town and the Island."

The own has a new walkway and railings down to the Esplanade, but the view is spoilt by the scruffy Winter Gardens (Image: IW County Press)

In 2022, the building’s roof was damaged during Storm Beatrice, and Suzanne Wright for the Hambrough Group said they are still waiting on the insurance company to pay out.

“When the storms hit, we had no idea this would drag out the way it has,” said Suzanne.

“We certainly do not want the building to look the way it does. We want it to be used by the community.”

View down to Ventnor Winter Gardens from the road (Image: IW County Press)

The art deco building is steeped in history.

The stage has hosted many great names, including Davy Jones, who honed his act as a resident band in the summer of 1965 to emerge as David Bowie less than a month later.

But Suzanne says at this stage, the insurance company “has not paid out a penny” and it is now in the hands of the financial ombudsman and solicitors.

The country’s “severe financial crisis, particularly affecting the hospitality and entertainments industries”, has also been cited as a factor.

Among those to share their concerns with the County Press was Jane Holloway of the Bistro, on Pier Street, Ventnor.

“Whilst the state of the Winter Gardens has no impact on our trade itself, it is frequently the topic of conversation with locals and visitors alike,” said Jane.

“It's a prime location and its historic value to the town are often spoken of. 

“Many of the older folk have fond memories of tea dances or of gigs and of bands they saw there in its heyday.

“They are truly distraught by the state of its disrepair.

“And what an amazing venue it could be with the view it has of Ventnor's stunning coastline.

“How can the current owners get away with letting such a beloved art deco building become an eyesore? It is just heartbreaking.”

Another local businessperson, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Most of the general public I've spoken to feel cheated, as usual vital assets have been sold off.

"This community hub, which was very necessary, has been left to rot. It's cold, scruffy and unloved.

"If the people who bought it didn't have the money to repair, then it shouldn't have been sold for a pound."

The County Press asked Cllr Ed Blake, IW Council ward councillor for Ventnor, for a comment. 

He said he has been working on resolving the Winter Gardens issue since he got elected in December but was not in a position to make a comment at present.

Ventnor Winter Gardens (Image: IW County Press)