Plan for botanic garden passed

By Richard Wright

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

 

THE Isle of Wight Council's cabinet tonight (Tuesday) gave the green light to a private takeover of Ventnor Botanic Garden.

Councillors agreed to a non profit-making Community Interest Company (CIC) headed by American businessman John Curtis having a 125 year lease.

That is expected to lead to a guaranteed investment in the garden's future of £1 million, including a pledge of £800,000 over five years from the new owners.

The garden is being leased by the IW Council, which currently foots an annual loss approaching £200,000 on the attraction that has an estimated 80,000 visitors a year.

After the lease is signed, expected to be in few weeks' time, admission charges will be introduced.

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by Paul Strauss

24th May 2012, at 14:19:37

Thank goodness for some common sense at last from IW Council. I have never visited the Botanical Gardens without coming away feeling that my visit could have been enhanced if only there was a stipulated entrance fee rather than the customary few pence that I casually lob in the donations box on my way out, hoping that my 1ps will sound like the suggested 3 quid as they hit the other coins. Now there is an entrance fee, I can at last enjoy the gardens guilt free. As soon as I've saved the money for the pay and display car park I'll be there.

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by augustus miller

23rd May 2012, at 16:08:58

hoorah

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.

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