Diagnosis of main barrier to transformation

As a result of the diagnostic process, the Experts have identified a lack of a strong vision as the main barrier to transformation in Sandown.

Although there are clear signs that Sandown has an active and engaged community, the ways in which that community is empowered to help develop and deliver the vision for the town seem to be limited. A Council-run consultation exercise ‘The Wight we want’ took place in 2017 and contributed to the Eastern Bay Regeneration Vision for the area. This is spatial in its focus and might be complemented by an additional strategy focusing on a range of areas, as set out overleaf.

Building on this consultation exercise, we believe that Isle of Wight Council can, and should, improve its partnerships and communications with both business leaders and the wider community. This will enable a better-quality vision to be developed, which can inform future plans and underpin further applications for funding. Stronger partnerships between council, businesses and the wider community will also build more capacity for making change in the town. A more coordinated approach will ensure more impact from the investment and interventions, whether they are initially led by the public, private or voluntary sector.

Whilst we have identified that the need for a stronger vision is the key barrier to achieving transformation of the town, the single most significant issue is the presence of a number of dilapidated heritage buildings on the Esplanade and Culver Parade. The obstacles that the council faces in addressing this problem are not well-understood by visitors to the town, or even residents, and all are left with the overwhelming impression of neglect which impacts on the reputation of the town, the amenity of the high street, and the prospects for the town’s future economic success.

The Council’s current strategy, set out in the forthcoming Conservation Area Management Plan, focuses on enforcing a Section 215 Notice, which compels the landlords to improve the safety and condition of the buildings. Such enforcement is unlikely to remedy the situation in the long-term and a more radical plan is needed to address the problem. To assist you with this effort, we are proposing that you receive further HSTF expert support in managing and repurposing dilapidated buildings. More information on this can be found below.

In summary, it was very clear from our meeting that there is a huge amount of enthusiasm and support for the town from both the council and business and community leaders. Greater participation is needed from a wider range of stakeholders, but Sandown is fortunate to have no shortage of people willing and able to help.