A local councillor is calling for 12 volunteers to become friends of the historic Ryde Town Hall and Theatre in an effort to restore the now empty and dilapidated building to its former grandeur.
Cllr Wayne Whittle, who is also the Cabinet member for regeneration for the Isle of Wight Council, has issued his rallying call for volunteers amid the possibility of new funding being made available.
Ryde Town Council has offered an expression of interest in the building, which could unlock £6million from the Government’s ‘Heritage Horizons’ programme to restore the Victorian landmark.
The theatre and town hall were once owned and run by the Isle of Wight Council, but both closed in April 2010 due to financial problems. The building was sold to a private investor in 2012. Despite some remedial work, it has sat unused ever since.
Exploring ideas for its use, Cllr Whittle has said one possible option would be to make part of the downstairs a museum. Wayne says he is aware that the Isle of Wight Council is sitting on many historic artefacts that are currently out of public view, including Queen Victoria’s carriage that once took her up the Pier.
Cllr Whittle has said:
“We would firstly need to use the funding (if we won) to put the property back into working order by updating it to today’s standards. The only way to protect our heritage buildings is to find ways to use them now and in the future.”
He suggested that best practice would be to take it on as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and try to attract 12 local residents to volunteer as Friends of Ryde Theatre.
A former Ryde Mayor, Cllr Whittle remembers attending meetings and events at Ryde town hall and theatre.
“It is a magnificent building and form the rooftop you have fantastic unbroken views across the Solent and beyond from Seaview in the East all the way to Osborne House in the West. Imagine having a quality rooftop restaurant? It would attract residents and tourists alike.”
Cllr Whittle believes the town is heading for a renaissance.
“I’ve met and discussed the theatre with senior officers at Historic England, and they appear to be extremely interested in helping to restore Ryde Theatre. In fact they intend to appoint a full-time and junior officer to help Ryde and Newport with regeneration of our high streets and buildings on the at risk register.”
Historic England has already agreed that Ryde and Newport high streets will be among 69 in the UK to benefit from a £95million heritage boost. Both Newport and Ryde bids were within the top 3 best bids put forward for the last tranche of funding.
Report by Peter Gruner
nope.. not another museum – use it wisely.. perhaps an occasional indoor market, use it to host a roller-rink or artifical skating rink.. (when in full season) – performances for bands and theater around peak times.. something that can be used in many roles, adjusting to the needs of the town and the people that will use it.
The building was sold to a private investor in 2012.
And what does the current owner say about whittles plans?
As long as poll tax does not rise to fund this.
Every year Ryde town council increase there precept by huge amounts.
Having spent many happy times in Ryde Theatre and some not so happy ones when the lift broke down with me in it. Should not have been sold in the first place, I expect the existing owner will say thank you very much as he counts his profit after haggling a few times.
How do we get involved
Suggest, restore theatre, restaurant, youth club, a indoor market for local produce. Where do volunteers register their interest?