All day café/bar operator Loungers has announced it will withdraw from plans to transform a disused Cowes church into a new social hub in the town.
Despite Loungers’ licensing application being granted at a recent committee hearing and a planning application submitted,
Alex Kalebic, Head of Acquisitions at Loungers, said:
“We are incredibly disappointed but these legal complications just don’t make it possible for us to risk investing over £1m to open a Lounge on this site.
"We were excited about saving this beautiful historic building from falling further into disrepair and bringing it back to life for all to enjoy, as well as creating much needed employment for local people.
“While a small number of local residents opposed the development, we were very grateful for the otherwise overwhelmingly positive support from the Cowes and wider Isle of Wight community.
"Rest assured; we are still keen to open a sister site to our popular Correo Lounge in Newport in this wonderful town at some point in the future and continue to look for other opportunities across the Isle of Wight as well.”
Cowes Methodist Church ceased being used for religious purposes in 2016 and, since then, the property has been used occasionally for events and rehearsals.
Despite a marketing campaign, there has been no interest from religious institutions in purchasing the property.
Sian Represents Isle Of Wight At National Young Farmers Award Ceremony
Landmark Day For Isle Of Wight Podcaster Josh With Show Number 200
Red Funnel Honours UK Armed Forces With Free Foot Passenger Travel In November
Isle Of Wight Crematorium Raises Thousands For Young People With Cancer
WightAID Grant Helps Families Enjoy Well-Earned Holidays
Island Planning Strategy Submitted To Secretary Of State
Southern Water Unveils Plans For New Water Recycling Plant On Isle Of Wight
Campaign Group Condemns Wootton Bridge Palmers Farm Plans
Yacht Fire Leads To Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Launching
Comments
Add a comment