Sale of Southsea Model Village announced with "a heavy heart" as new owners are sought for the iconic attraction
Southsea Model Village has been put for sale ‘with a heavy heart’, with high hopes someone new will step in and help to make its future ‘truly special’.
The model village has been operated by the the Wilson family for the past decade and has been a beloved part of Southsea’s history for nearly 70 years. But the death of their father Ian last year, has led to the decision of his children to pass on the torch to someone new.
Announcing the sale they said it was with great sadness that they had reached the decision, but said they have high hopes the Southsea landmark will thrive under new owners.
In a statement they said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to put the village up for sale.
“As a family, we have cherished owning and operating this special place for the past 10 years, but since the passing of our dear dad Ian, things just haven’t felt the same. It was always our dream for the village to remain a family affair, and now we feel it is time to pass this incredible opportunity on to someone new.”
One of the owners Mark Wilson, whose wife’s family owned the model village for 15 years before being bought by the Wilsons, told The News that the family would be looking for the right buyer ‘who will love it just as much as we have’.
“After we lost my father it just wasn't the same anymore,” he said. “We just think it is time is right to pass it on to someone with some fresh ideas. We want someone who is really going to love it just as much as we have.”
The asking price of £82,000 includes:
- A unique and iconic model village with a 19 year lease with automatic option to renew
- A fully fitted café/snack bar next to the popular Canoe Lake park as well as an outside seating area
- A dedicated team of volunteers who help bring the village to life
Some of the popular features of the model village include the models of old shops including U-Need-Us and Tremletts, as well as a silent disco and the railway lines where the trains from the Thomas the Tank Engine series whizz round.
“Whether you are a family or a couple looking for an exciting business venture, Southsea Model Village offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of something truly special,” the statement said. “Southsea Model Village is a beloved part of Southsea’s history for nearly 70 years.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the sale opportunity is asked to email [email protected].