Plans Revealed To Turn East Cowes’ ‘Building On Stilts’ Into Community Hub

A well-known East Cowes landmark – locally dubbed the ‘Building on Stilts’ – could soon be transformed into a new multi-use community hub under fresh plans submitted by the Isle of Wight Council.

The proposal seeks to change the use of the Prom Building on Columbine Road, currently occupied by Wight Shipyard as office and design space.

According to the council’s agent, ERMC, the project forms part of the Island’s Levelling Up Fund Round One investment.

The council says discussions with East Cowes Town Council about how the space could best serve the community are “ongoing”.

Under the plans, the building would be separated from its existing tenancy and repurposed entirely for public and community use.

To make this possible, a new ground-floor area beneath the structure would be created, providing an entrance, reception and access to the upper level via a staircase and platform lift.

ERMC says the outside space could also be used for safe storage of heritage assets, interpretation displays, or as a sheltered exhibition and event area.

Potential future uses for the building include a café, museum, performance or event space, or a community meeting venue.

The final layout, they say, will depend on community needs, with space left for staff facilities and toilets.

The Isle of Wight Society and East Cowes Heritage Centre have welcomed the proposal, saying the sensitive restoration will return the undercroft and upstairs design office — with its “wonderful views” — to public use for the first time in years.

They added:

“The building, often called the Building on Stilts by local people, will be sensitively restored and provide an excellent amenity for the community…

"We are sure it will be a most welcome and well-used space.”

Public consultation on planning application 25/01620/FUL runs until December 12, with a decision expected on January 1.