New Cheetah Marine boat
factory on Ventnor seafront

March 2009

Despite considerable local opposition, the new Cheetah Marine boat factory on Ventnor seafront is nearing completion.

It is being erected immediately below The Winter Gardens, opposite Ventnor Haven Fishery. Between the Haven and the factory, a new road has been built allowing access to a considerably smaller public car park at the far end of the eastern esplanade.

The new boat factory - March 2009

Cheetah Marine manufacture GRP catamarans which are mainly used as fishing boats. Presumably the new premises will allow them to launch their boats directly into the sea at Ventnor.

The original plans showed that, when finished, the building will also house a cafe with outdoor seating next to the 'island paddling pool'. However, there is currently much local concern over the fact that the paddling pool is too close to the new wall which has been built between the pool and the new road. (The new wall is visible in the above picture.) Locals are asking for the pool to be moved closer to The Cascade.

New Public Conveniences

Meanwhile, the Council are building new public conveniences to replace those near The Cascade. These are very much welcomed! We jokingly call them 'Ventnor's Sydney Opera House' (they are visible on the left hand side of the following picture).

View showing new public conveniences and new boat factory

Hopefully all this building work will be completed before the summer season really starts!

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