THE Battery Gardens in Sandown could be transformed into a major tourist attraction, including a Roman-style amphitheatre, if funding can be sourced.
Sandown Partnership, supported by Sandown Town Council, hopes to transform the heritage-protected site to attract more visitors to the Sandown Bay area.
The IW Council, which owns the site, has given the group permission to explore the viability of developing and improving the fort and gardens but has yet to consider agreeing a lease on it.
The partnership has successfully attracted funds for projects, which includes bringing leisure facilities to children at Sandham Gardens.
Its members are optimistic it can also create a great attraction at the Battery Gardens.
The project, called Recharging the Battery, could see an amphitheatre built on the green, with seating for up to 400, for anything from am-dram productions to concerts.
The fort itself, known as Sandown Barracks Battery, was built during Napoleonic times and could be restored and opened up again to visitors, with the partnership keen to use one of its cellars — sealed off many years ago — as a heritage centre.
There is also an exciting possibility the fort’s cannon, believed to be buried in the fortification, could be restored to its former glory, if found.
Cllr Ron Teasdale, its chairman, said talks with County Hall officers were encouraging and that research was being carried out into various funding streams for the ambitious project.
"The project is in its infancy but we are quite excited by it," he said.
"It could be a jewel in the crown for the bay area. We have been successful in getting money and we’re confident of getting something done.
"Sandown has a rich history, so having a heritage centre is paramount.
"We are keen to have an open-air amphitheatre for small-scale productions, which could generate some revenue."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk