Following our recent report about the fate of Shanklin Theatre, we received an email from Isle of Wight Council Leader, David Pugh.
The Leader was keen for us to see a letter that he’d written in response to residents opposing the closure of the theatre. In his letter he states very clearly that “due to limited financial resources … it is unlikely that funding for theatres can ever again be a financial priority for the Council.”
However, he goes on to say that he has been working very closely with the local community to develop a proposal for the future management of the theatre.
The proposal includes consolidating a range of activities into the building, in order to make it as viable as possible.
He goes on to say that Shanklin Town Council have already given a commitment to relocate into the building, whilst a local community group that has been formed to manage the theatre aims to acquire the theatre from IW Council as a Community Asset Transfer.
What is made very clear in The Leader’s letter, is that in order for the theatre to be transferred to the community, it is absolutely necessary for the Isle of Wight Council to declare the theatre surplus to requirements.
It is thought that this decision will be made at tomorrow’s Cabinet Meeting (which we intend to cover live).
He finishes his letter by saying …
There is clearly much work ahead of us in order to make this happen, but I am confident that with the ideas and enthusiasm that have been generated thus far, it can be achieved and Shanklin, the Bay and the rest of the Island could have an enhanced facility as a result.
