THE impasse over the future of the Broadway Centre in Sandown has been resolved with town councillors agreeing to press on with a plan of repairs and modernisation.
A unanimous decision by Sandown Town Council to retain the flagship building, in principle, follows more than two years of wrangling between members of three different administrations.
In January last year, Sandown residents voted in a referendum to retain the centre.
Sandown mayor, Cllr Ian Ward, said he was pleased a resolution had been reached at last.
"We needed to reach a compromise because of the different views councillors had on the centre’s future. In voting to keep the centre, we took into account the public’s views," said Cllr Ward.
"We met the referendum decision, will re-examine the costs of repairs and upgrades and evaluate previous estimates. The essential works will be prioritised, with the heating system top of the list."
The town council came under fire for sitting on a £120,000 loan to upgrade the centre for over two years following a survey estimating it would cost more than £400,000 to prevent it from collapse.
A tendering process for essential works has got under way with quotes likely to be considered in the new year, said Val Taylor, town clerk.
Councillors may also consider the possible sale of the Los Altos rooms, a small community building beside the centre, and it is also pursuing grants to fund the work.
"The advantages of selling it would mean we could bring the centre up to modern specifications, pay off the loan, leaving the town council debt free and there may be cash left over for further projects in the town," added Cllr Ward.
Cllr Bob Blezzard welcomed the decision but warned he would oppose the sale of any other assets to fund upgrade work.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk