When Shanklin Library was relocated from Victoria Avenue to Falcon Cross, the property was initially leased and then subsequently purchased by the Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust to be used as a Performing Arts Centre. The Project has been a tremendous success with the facilities being used every day of the week, and several different sessions a day on most days. Currently, demand to use the facility far outstrips supply of available time slots.
There is an array of different user groups who are currently using the centre, such as keep fit classes, Pilates, Ballet, Burlesque, dance, and theatre groups from across the Island including youth intervention development for the Bay area. Unfortunately, the premises are in a poor state of repair and requires substantial upgrades.
The Trust intends to submit a Planning Application to upgrade the facilities to include multi-purpose dance/fitness/rehearsal studios, a performing space with retractable seating, coffee shop/bar area, and a museum and heritage space to present and display the history of Shanklin.
The plans for the new facility include three dance and practice studios, storerooms, kitchen, and WC facilities on the lower floor.
The ground floor will comprise of a performance stage and auditorium with a retractable seating system to accommodate 106 people, dressing room, WC’s, bar, and a level floor foyer entrance that can be accessed from Victoria Avenue.
Two areas on the upper floor will accommodate large spaces for museum and heritage centres that accords with our vision to widen the scope of activities in the building and provide a Centre to show and display the valuable history and heritage of the Shanklin area. Other facilities include WC’s, performers flat with kitchenette and bathroom. Stairs and a disabled lift will connect the lower floor with the ground and upper floor. The new building will also benefit from solar roof panels generating electricity to power internal battery storage units, and a rain harvesting system to assist in the reduction of untreated storm water release into the sea.
A local resident consultation and open day was held at the Centre on the 22nd of September displaying our proposed plans. The consultation was very well received with over fifty local neighbours attending. We had questionnaires available to allow people to express their views, with a very encouraging response of around 90% supporting our aspirations. The plans have gone through the pre-planning application process with IW Council planning officers, and we have had a positive response to the plans from the Theatres Trust, a statutory consultee on planning matters relating to Theatres.
The proposed plans will be available to view on the IW Council’s planning applications page: www.iow.gov.uk or Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust (shanklintheatreandcommunitytrust.co.uk in due course.
Please join us to see what we are proposing. Free tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday the 19th of November from 1.00pm to 6.00pm. We are situated on Victoria Avenue (opposite the youth and community centre and bus stop) Shanklin, P037 6PG.
Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust
(A Company limited by Guarantee)
A Charity registered in England and Wales No. 1146834
Registered in England and Wales Company No. 07450494
Registered Office:
Shanklin Theatre
Steephill Road
Shanklin
Isle of Wight
PO37 6AJ
