Vandals have 'destroyed' and 'vandalised' one of the Island's most iconic disused buildings, according to an Isle of Wight photographer.
Originally built in 1830 as part of the town's hall, Ryde Theatre has been stood disused for over ten years, but has always remained one of the town's most iconic and well-loved buildings.
"This behaviour has sickened me, I'm embarrassed to be human"
Sienna Anderson had the chance to visit the building after light was spotted coming from the clock tower.
Contact was made with the owners who attended the building.
Sienna, whose bike had been stolen, was able to enter the venue when eagle-eyed security staff spotted it within.
Sienna said she was 'heartbroken' and 'embarrassed to be human' by what she saw:
"It was a bizarre account of events that lead to the discovery.
"On Thursday 14th January lights were seen in the Bell Tower of Ryde Theatre, a beautiful iconic building that I’m sure many of you will have fond memories of times spent there, I certainly do. An alert was put out to the owners and a precense made.
"It just so happened that on the night of my bike being stolen 24-hour security was set in place at the Theatre, within hours of security being there several individuals illegally entered the premises… they left very abruptly (I need say no more) my bike was also left behind, fantastic news."
"What was to follow is absolutely heartbreaking, to be honest, I am struggling to find the words."
What was once a pristine interior belonging to a disused building was discovered to be in a very different state.
Photo: Sienna Anderson
Sienna explained:
"The entire building has been vandalised, but this is on another level. Almost every pane of glass smashed and walls kicked in, an entire ceiling brought down, paint thrown everywhere, rows of seats mindlessly thrown off the balconies...
"Chandeliers smashed, toilets and sinks demolished, pipes ripped from the walls flooding the floors below, beautiful wrought iron spindles kicked from their placements, stolen goods still with labels scattered all around, the list just goes on and on."
The Theatre, which opened in 1991 on the upper floors of the building, once played host to acts such as The Stranglers, along with home-grown talent and featured stunning Edwardian plaster design and mahogany doors.
A raked balcony was inserted to increase the capacity of the venue and to hold a sound and projection box and refurbished dressing rooms - at the other end stood the stage.
After dangerous cracks were found in the building, it was temporarily closed in 2005, and later became a music venue - the Theatre has stood empty and dark since it closed in 2010.
Despite being disused, the building had remained in an almost pristine condition for many years, as seen in a video posted by urban Explorers Abandoned Isle of Wight in 2019.
In November of 2020, councillors of Ryde Town Council agreed to take on the building on a three-year lease with an option to buy.
At the time, the Town Council, which also has a licence to occupy the building during the same three-year period, agreed to spend up to £5,000 on immediate safety and security of the building and repairs and to prevent water ingress. As part of the agreement, it also insured the building.
New security measures have been put in place at the theatre to try and prevent any further damage from occurring. Security is now in place 24 hours a day to deter would-be intruders from gaining access to the building.
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