LONG-AWAITED development plans for Sandham Gardens have today (Wednesday) been announced by the company that has taken over the site.

Heritage Great Britain, which owns Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Land's End attraction and, locally, The Needles Landmark Attraction, has agreed a 50-year lease with Sandown Town Council to develop the Sandown site and plans to launch a public consultation next week.

Residents' views will be taken into account when the regeneration plans are drawn up.

Heritage Great Britain chief executive Allan Leech said: "We are working in partnership with the town council to enhance the gardens with a range of quality activities and leisure based additions to enhance the visitor experience.

"There has been a lack of investment in recent years in some areas of Sandown Bay and we will be spending a significant amount of time and money to look at developing the site and to make a start in enhancing Sandown Bay as a better destination for Islanders and tourists."

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for regeneration and business development, Cllr Wayne Whittle, said: "For many years Sandown has been passed over by investors so we welcome this partnership with Heritage Great Britain, which already has a proven track record of operating one of the Island's premier attractions and some of the UK's best loved landmarks.

"They are committed to keeping the gardens open and accessible for everyone to enjoy in the future and we are confident a regenerated Sandham Gardens will provide a boost and attract more investment to other parts of the town."

A consultation event for people to share their views will be held at Browns golf course on Tuesday, November 21.