New signs will be added to an Isle of Wight seaside bowling alley — but it has led to fears it would “remove” the historic identity of the building.
The Pavilion on Ryde Esplanade has been a bowling alley for more than 30 years and in recent years become Ryde Superbowl.
Built in the 1920s
Before that, however, the Grade II listed building — built in the 1920s — was the Eastern Esplanade Pavilion Theatre and hosted many grand occasions.
Now, new plans will see signs saying ‘Pavilion’ removed from the building and replaced by Superbowl’s red-letter branding.
Plans agreed
The Isle of Wight council agreed the plans last week, but objections were made against them.
Ryde Town Council said removing the existing signage with its “well-known font style” would not be in keeping with the building’s Grade II listed heritage.
A member of Historic Ryde Society also said taking down the signs would remove the historic identity of the building.
They did not object to adding more signs, but would like to keep the ones for the Pavilion.
Refurbished in the early 1990s
The Pavilion was refurbished in the early 1990s to stop it from being knocked down.
Instead, it was turned into an entertainment centre for the seafront, complete with a nightclub.
A plaque marking its refurbishment was unveiled by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in March 1992 while she was on the general election campaign trail.
“Selectively revitalise” appearance of the building
In planning documents, agents on behalf of Superbowl, said the new signs would “selectively revitalise” the appearance of the building while making the best use of branded signage.
They also said the impact of the work would be minimal and considerate and would result in a fresh and vibrant appearance in line with the Superbowl branding.
Signage has varied over the years
Planning officers at the Isle of Wight council said signage has varied on the building over the years and currently “does not reflect the corporate identity and use of the building.”
The officers had “no concerns” about the impact of the new signs on the building and said they “would not impact the integrity of the building as a whole”.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
