Plans are afoot to upgrade the Performing Arts Centre in Shanklin into a multi-purpose dance, fitness and rehearsal studio, complete with a coffee shop and bar area as well as a museum and heritage space.
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 huge 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 the supply of available time slots. Unfortunately, the premises are in a poor state of repair and require substantial upgrades.
Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust intend to submit a planning application to upgrade the facilities which will make a performing space with retractable seating for an audience of up to 106 people.
The full set of plans of the proposed new facility, together with the artist’s impressions of the building, will be available for public inspection at the Performing Arts Centre from 14:00-19:00 tomorrow (Friday). Free tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available.
