MERMAID Gin, which has been producing hand-crafted gin on the Isle of Wight for just shy of ten years, has submitted plans to take on Ryde Arena.  

A planning application has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council – to transform the empty Ice Rink into the Mermaid Centre.

The proposal is to change the ice rink into a distillery with visitor attraction, including an ancillary bar and restaurant.

It has been around seven years since the ice rink at Ryde Arena closed.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Arena proposed changes.Ryde Arena proposed changes. (Image: Isle of Wight Council)

The planning application asserts that the change of use would provide an opportunity for the business to grow and generate employment opportunities, and existing operations at the Wishing Well, Nettlestone, and at a site in Ryde, are now running at maximum capacity.

External changes proposed include:

  • All existing aluminium curtain walling and glazing, doors and frames, and roller shutters to be fully refurbished and repainted.
  • All gutters and downpipes to be retained, cleared and repaired where necessary
  • Existing plant to be removed and areas made good
  • New horizontal feature cladding to be applied strategically to help break-up the current brick elevations
  • Subtle signage and branding to be applied.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Arena proposed ground floor.Ryde Arena proposed ground floor. (Image: Isle of Wight Council.)

The application states the new premises will be similar to the Bombay Sapphire visitor centre based in Whitchurch, Hampshire.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Arena proposed first floor.Ryde Arena proposed first floor. (Image: Isle of Wight Council)