A revised schedule of fees and charges for the hire of parks, open spaces and sports facilities will be introduced by the Isle of Wight Council from September 1.

The changed fees have been developed to support the ongoing maintenance and management of the council’s parks and recreation facilities, whilst ensuring a fair and transparent approach to hiring council-owned land and sports facilities.

The council currently faces unprecedented financial pressures driven by rising demand, increasing contract costs, and a national funding settlement that leaves the Island at a significant disadvantage compared with similar councils.

Proportionate increases to charges for the hire of parks, open spaces and sports facilities are therefore one of several necessary steps being taken to help bridge a substantial budget gap that cannot be resolved through local efficiencies alone.

The council recognises that any increase in charges will have an impact on clubs, community groups, event organisers and other users of its facilities, and these changes have not been introduced lightly.

Every effort has been made to keep increases to the minimum necessary. However, rising costs associated with grounds maintenance, utilities, inspections, repairs and the upkeep of public facilities mean that sustainably maintaining the existing level of service is no longer possible without revising charges.

While the council did not want to increase costs for users, it has a responsibility to ensure that parks, open spaces and sports facilities remain safe, well-maintained and accessible for residents and visitors both now and in the future.

The revised fees are intended to help protect these valued community assets and reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers at a time of significant budgetary pressure.

New rates have been communicated to existing customers. Please visit our website for more information on how to book: Amenity land hire – Isle of Wight Council

Events and commercial activities, such as filming, can also booked out at a pro-rata, hourly rate, as it is appreciated that not all events will require the full day.

The following daily hire charges will apply to the Council’s principal parks. Please contact the team via our website for more information on a specific principal park: Amenity land hire – Isle of Wight Council

Event Hire Fees

• Small Events (up to 250 attendees): £250 per day
• Medium Events (250 to 500 attendees): £500 per day
• Large Events (over 500 attendees): £1,500 per day

Commercial Activities

• Filming: £750 per day
• Funfairs and Circuses: £500 per day

Events and filming can also booked out pro-rata at an hourly rate for shorter events or activities.

Administrative Charges

All event applications will be subject to a non-refundable administration fee:

• Small Events: £50
• Medium Events: £75
• Large Events: £100

A further fee may be charged where incomplete or late applications require additional officer time and support.

New charges will also apply to the use of sports pitches and recreation grounds. Please contact the team via our website for more information on a specific sports pitch or recreation ground: Amenity land hire – Isle of Wight Council

Sports Facility Charges

• Season Permit (per team): £1,250
• Line Marking (top-up): £95
• Line Marking (initial or ad-hoc): £190
• Changing Room Cleaning: £40 per clean
• Equipment Contribution: £200 per team, per year
• Ad-hoc Match Hire: £250 per match
• Tournament Hire: £500 per day