A planning application to build a centre for performing arts on the site of the former Shanklin library on Victoria Avenue has been opened to public consultation.
Submitted by the Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust, the concept behind building a new Performing Arts Centre is to provide training, development and rehearsal facilities for the performing Arts, that do not necessarily suit the scale and arrangements of the main theatre.
Supporting the Performing Arts and more
Plans for the new building include:
- A main Auditorium space with a flexible set up
- 100 moveable tiered seating and staging, allowing for more intimate performances
- Audition space
- A larger dance studio space (when seats are retracted)
- A projector screen and audio and lighting (for Film clubs, conferences, performances or sporting events)
Museum and Heritage Centre
There is a desire for a large area to be designated within the building focused on both Shanklin and Isle of Wight history, for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area.
A report submitted by Harvey Wright Architects explains that although many local events have taken place in the buildings on the site — it being used as a meeting house for the Local Board and later as the town’s fire station and then library — the current buildings “have been excessively altered over time and poorly maintained and therefore have little significant historic value, beyond being the site of the locally historic events”.
Certain elements of the original building, its inscribed lintels, round headed arch and tympanum for instance, will be incorporated into the design of the building’s replacement.
View the plans
You can view the plans (23/02226/FUL) on the council’s planning portal.
The public consultation runs until Friday 2nd February 2024.
