Bembridge Harbour.
THE appointment of administrators could pave the way for Bembridge Harbour to be bought by the Bembridge Harbour Trust, which was set up in 2007 with the aim of running the harbour for the community.
Bembridge Harbour Improvements Company Ltd and Maritime and Leisure Investments Ltd are now in the hands of RSM Tenon’s recovery division.
Both companies, which provide services to the harbour, were placed into administration following a winding up petition from HM Revenue and Customs in February.
Between them, the companies own various parts of Bembridge Harbour, including many buildings and 59 hectares of water.
Both businesses continue to operate as a going concern and will be marketed in due course.
Michael MacInnes, chair of trustees at Bembridge Harbour Trust (BHT), said: "We view the appointment of the administrators as a marvellous opportunity for the trust to try to buy Bembridge Harbour at a fair market price.
"Although it has been on the market for the last 15 months and BHT has made three professionally valued bids, these have all been rejected as being too low."
Mr MacInnes said there would be immediate major costs for a new owner and the trust was prepared to take these on.
He said: "For instance, no relevant dredging of pontoon or marina areas has been done for eight years and water levels are very low in places.
"And there is a lot of work required on pontoon maintenance, many of which will have to be replaced immediately.
"Shore facilities are in urgent need of upgrade."
He added: "We have members, commercial interests and supporters throughout the local communities with the right expertise and skills to get everything up and running properly again and this we will do if we get the chance."
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk