Isle of Wight hotel expansion plan remains for disused building

Three years after proposals were first unveiled, the Hambrough Group insists it remains committed to converting Ventnor's former health and day care centres, 'bringing further tourism and jobs'.

The main Hambrough Hotel, on Hambrough Road, is connected to the Church Street building by a private road, as it stands behind the hotel.

Plans first submitted by the group in 2021 sought to provide an annexe of 14 hotel rooms and a three-bed flat, to allow the hotel to expand in a 'sustainable fashion'.

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Since then, progress to convert the former Isle of Wight Council-owned building has gone quiet.

The Hambrough Group has told the County Press works were hampered by vandalism.

A spokesperson said: "A considerable amount of work has been completed in the past year including pointing and making good of the external stonework and roof.

The former police station after conversion (Image: IWCP) Back of the building boarded up after vandalism (Image: IWCP) "During the summer the building was subjected to significant vandalism by local children smashing every window and doors gaining entry to the building adding graffiti inside the property, we were then forced to board the property this added significant costs and additional works to the future refurbishment."

The spokesperson said internal works are planned in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the former police station, next to the building, is in the process of being converted to apartments as part of the overall project.