Plans have officially been submitted for a modern performing arts and heritage centre on the Isle of Wight.
Harvey Wright Architects, on behalf of Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust, has unveiled plans for a new public building on Victoria Avenue, with a modern twist of materials and finishes, and designed to “deliberately stand out” and be noticed and talked about.
In planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, the architects say, like the design of other museums and performing arts centres across the world, standing out should be celebrated.
The proposals could see a 100+ capacity auditorium with retractable seating; three dance studios and museum gallery space built.
It would provide training, development and rehearsal facilities for the performing arts, the plans say, which do not necessarily suit the scale of Shanklin Theatre around the corner.
A public consultation held at the end of last year, saw 79 per cent of those who attended support the plans for a “destination” building of architectural interest.
If the plans are approved, documents say five part-time jobs could be created.
To build the centre, a nearly 150-year-old former school and fire station building would need to be demolished.
It was built in the late 1800s and was previously a school and fire station before most recently a community library, which closed around 2019.
The building is not listed and has been “excessively altered over time and poorly maintained,” plans say.
Reports say it would not be cost-effective to repair the buildings on Victoria Avenue, as there is asbestos present; the roof would require strengthening; some of the rafters are beginning to decay and the ceiling joists above the library area are sagging.
Some aspects of the original building could be saved during the demolition work.
You can view the plans, 23/02226/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until February 2.
There is already one objection from a Shanklin resident who says while they support the use of the building, the design is not suitable.
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
