New tenants are being sought to take over the running of Browns Golf Course in Sandown, with the aim of reopening for the summer.

The Isle of Wight Council is offering a five-year lease on the cafe and 18-hole putting green at the front of the Yaverland Road attraction.

Options for the remainder of the Browns site are currently being explored with third parties, the authority said.

Current managers, Kate and Geoff Scandrett, are departing the attraction this month (April), after two years at the helm.

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They cited "the current economic climate and difficult financial factors" as reasons.

The council said they were informed of the couple's decision in January.

Their departure had led to question marks over what would come of the site. Other options the council said it was exploring was to manage the golf course “in-house”.

It has now been confirmed the council is seeking new managers to take over the running.

Interested in running Browns Golf Course?

  • All enquiries should be directed to the commercial services department on (01983) 821000, ext: 8756 or via email: commercial.services@iow.gov.uk.

The closing date for offers to be submitted is noon on Friday, May 5.

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment and heritage, said: "We recognise that Browns is a well-loved part of Sandown’s resort heritage, and an important part of the town’s tourism offer.

"We would therefore like to reassure the community we are working hard to re-open this popular attraction as quickly as possible by seeking a new tenant to take it on.

"By granting a five-year lease we are hopeful this will make it an attractive proposal to potential operators and bring about welcome investment. We’re looking forward to seeing what interest is out there."