Plans for the future of the former Camp Hill prison site are being formalised and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks, Isle of Wight Council leaders have revealed.

They have issued a statement in response to a question from Parkhurst ward councillor Andrew Garratt.

Leading cabinet members met last night (Thursday).

Cllr Garratt asked for: "An update on the discussions between the council and the Ministry of Justice on the future of the ministry’s land around the prison, including but not limited to Camp Hill, including: • when it anticipates any announcements to be made • what works might be undertaken in the near future • what implications there are for the infrastructure of the existing estates (roads, pavements, street furniture, sewerage etc) • and the importance of transparency with residents about any plans, so that residents are fully informed and can be actively engaged with the ministry and the council as plans unfold."

Camp Hill jail site: Questions and "transparency" call

Discussions between the landowner - the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) - and Isle of Wight Council officers are ongoing. 

It has long been expected that the former prison site would become a development opportunity - one of the reasons for the extensive work on St Mary's junction.

Plans for the site could include the possibility of demolishing redundant and dilapidated buildings at Camp Hill - however approvals would need to be sought and granted before that could happen.

Survey work has been taking place recently.

Isle of Wight Council said: "The Ministry of Justice will make an announcement as soon as its plans have been finalised and this is anticipated in late November or December." 

In response to Cllr Garratt, the council also said that the MOJ is in discussion with County Hall about how to improve roads on the estate.

It promised a public announcement as soon as the next steps were decided.

Isle of Wight Council said: "We will continue to encourage MOJ to liaise with local stakeholders in implementing any plans. However, the work is being led by the MOJ and not the council."