Sandown – Strengths

 Excellent (Blue Flag) Beach

 Popular pier

 Visitor economy

 Leisure attractions and facilities

 Heritage buildings

 Strong community spirit

 Access to countryside via walking and cycle networks

Sandown is a popular seaside resort on the Isle of Wight. Its location makes it a good base for exploring the whole of the Island which is highly accessible by car. It has one of the Isle of Wight’s best beaches and some leisure attractions which provide a unique offer, which can be seen as part of a wider East Bay offer along with Shanklin and Lake Recent investment from Premier Inn has improved the accommodation offer in the town.

Though most known for its visitor economy, the town has a strong and well-connected community, with a strong desire to move forward and some capacity to do so. The high street shows some green shoots of recovery in the microbrewery, gallery, café and community space Boojum&Snark, and the new beach bar at OYO Marina, and there are independently owned shops that have had a presence on the street for decades.