WORK has begun to demolish redundant farm buildings in preparation for the first phase of a project at the Isle of Wight Council's former Branstone Farm Studies Centre at Apse Heath.

A range of Island businesses and organisations have been involved in creating a new £13.6 million scheme including affordable housing, an outdoor education area, new green space, and a new brewery and visitor centre for Goddard’s Brewery.

Inspired by the Isle of Wight Biosphere declaration in 2019, a group of organisations and other local partners have secured funding and planning consents to begin the creation of a new rural area where the Biosphere principles of live, work and play can come to life.

With a focus on the Island's Biosphere, about half of the farm site will become a new public green space which will be open to all, and include hedges, new woodland, ponds and an outdoor education area.

The Isle of Wight AONB Partnership has been leading on the Isle of Wight Biosphere, and will be one of the first organisations to be based in the new Branstone Farm project.

Finance for the work has come from the partners and from national funds, with nearly £4 million coming from Homes England and the Solent LEP.

The first affordable homes, and some of the business units are expected to be ready for occupation in 2022.

Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, Cllr Wayne Whittle, said: "We know around a quarter of all Island families struggle to find a suitable home of the right size in the right location.

"This key regeneration project will show how we are putting this right, not only by creating genuinely affordable housing to meet local needs, but also by using our beautiful Island landscape to make a sustainable rural community that respects and supports our Biosphere designation."