Congratulations are in order for the team at Ventnor Exchange.
They have just been awarded a £7,500 Project Viability Grant by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) enabling them to further explore plans for the restoration and reuse of the old Ingram’s building.
What is Ingram’s Yard?
Ingram’s Yard is a former builders’ yard in Ventnor, which the team at Ventnor Exchange took on the lease for in the Autumn of 2023.
Plans to transform the building into a creative and community hub were kickstarted by a Crowdfunder appeal which surpassed the initial £15,000 target, by receiving more than £34,000.
Those donations from the public allowed the team to make gradual improvements to the space straight away and proving there is a case for this building to be saved and transformed.
How it’s been used so far
The main building was utilised during Ventnor Fringe Festival this year, which was home to several shows each day.
Whilst the outside space has been home to a Yard Market every Saturday since the Spring, as well as the People’s Palace of Possibilities during May.
Rooms that face onto Albert Street are occupied as artist studios.
Feasibility Study
The AHF funding will help to cover the costs of professional fees such as architects, surveyors and experts in regeneration.
A Feasibility Study will be developed and used to raise the larger capital funds needed to completely renovate and transform the space.
Whitewood: We can begin to see just what a fantastic new space this could become
Jack Whitewood, Creative and Development Director of Ventnor Exchange, said,
“We’re really excited about the potential of Ingrams Yard to bring new vitality to Ventnor and a new type of creative space to the Island.
“It’s already been home to pop up markets and as a venue during the Ventnor Fringe and we can begin to see just what a fantastic new space this could become.
“These funds will go towards the next stage of this project as we look to commission a Feasibility Study to help us build the case for the significant investment we need to fully restore and develop this into a leading new facility.”
If you would like to donate to the project, you can do this through the Crowdfunder Appeal.
