A bid to develop a new British Dinosaur Museum could see Sandown and its Cretaceous Coast becoming “the dinosaur capital of Britain”. Plans are underway for a new attraction that will bring together a museum, a dinosaur park and a scientific research facility. The development will be aimed at families, tourists, schools and universities.
A new consortium hopes to receive the green light from the Isle of Wight Council in the coming months, launching a project that would regenerate the existing Dinosaur Isle museum as well as contribution to investment in the Bay area, bringing much needed employment and visitors to the town, and the Island as a whole.
Dr Jeremy Lockwood (pictured), chair of the Dinosaur Isle Group, an association of island residents, commented: “It’s a tremendous opportunity for the Isle of Wight to put itself on the global stage. Our detailed plans include building a new larger museum, Dinosaur Park, education and research facility, whilst remaining sensitive to the ecology of the surrounding land and enhancing existing heritage, such as the PLUTO building. This is something that will have a hugely positive impact on the regeneration of the Sandown Bay area, and help to boost local businesses, especially the hospitality industry.”
