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.
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