A COMMUNITY Interest Company (CIC) has officially taken over Ventnor Botanic Garden from the Isle of Wight Council after it signed a 125 year lease on Tuesday evening.
Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC director John Curtis said: "This is one step — we have many, many more ahead of us.
"We are scrambling to finish our new entrance and putting the final touches on our pricing."
Chairman of the Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends Society, Phil LeMay, added: "We have been working hard to secure the future of the garden and now we can return to developing its potential."
The VBG cafe, recently with new chef Martyn Cutler, recently hosted its first evening garden tour and dinner with dishes made from Isle of Wight sourced ingredients.
An education co-ordinator is to join the staff in September to provide courses for all ages. Established events such as Hopfest, summer theatre and guest lectures will continue.