A Shanklin charity has sought consent to replace the Grade II listed Shanklin Theatre’s “very badly corroded” five first-floor front windows.
The Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust has said in a heritage statement to the Isle of Wight council that issues with the Crittall-style windows are of “major concern”.
Water ingress
Water is said to be seeping in through the windows and gradually “further damaging” the building’s fabric.
Since 2012, some windows in the theatre, part of which dates back to the 19th century, have been repaired.
The trust said,
“The success of these repairs has been disappointing. In literally a few months after repair, rust is seen to grin through the powder coating, which, after having spent a considerable amount of time and money, is immensely disappointing and suggests that the lifetime of the repaired steel window is somewhat limited.”
Replaced on a lik-for-like basis
Referencing replacement windows, the document has said,
“We have approached a company on the mainland who produce heritage style windows which will be galvanised steel and powder coated to match the existing.
“They will undertake a full laser survey to ensure a perfect fit and the new steel frames will be fitted into the refurbished timber frames and glazed with toughened glass bedded in siliconeneoprene.”
The listed building consent application has said a replacement of first floor windows would be on a generally “like for like” basis.
Lower level openings
Replacements would not have however have top parts that open – one feature of the existing windows.
The application additionally said,
“There would only be two openings at lower level, one casement to the left hand side and one door to the right hand side, this would allow for ventilation and a means of escape for anyone in the room.”
Historic England
Explaining the building’s Grade II listing, public body Historic England said,
“The Shanklin Theatre and Town Hall is designated for the following principal reasons: the south part of the building of 1884 is of special architectural interest as an unaltered example of a pre-1914 purpose-built addition to a literary institute.
“The mainly 1933-34 northern part is also of special architectural interest as a rare example for this period of a provincial combined theatre and hall retaining completeness of design, including the proscenium arch, balcony and rare survival of a foyer with original box office.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01476/LBC).
The public consultation runs until 22nd November 2024.
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
