Exploration of ways in which Ryde Town Hall can be brought back into community use continues, with 2 high-profile individuals in discussions over the acquisition of the once grand building.
In recent weeks, the Isle of Wight Council’s conservation officer, members of Ryde Town Council’s Town Hall Working Group and the current owner of the former town hall have been discussing the future of the building in Lind Street.
The town hall, first built in 1830, is Grade II listed. Extension works – including the iconic clock tower – were carried out in 1869. A major fire caused significant damage in the 1930s, but the town hall was restored to its former glory and continued as the seat of local government for Ryde Borough Council until 1974, when Ryde was amalgamated with Medina Borough Council.
In 1991, the town hall was converted into a theatre but following a run of success, the doors were closed in 2005. A short period as a music venue followed but the building was completely shut down in 2010 and was sold just 3 years later. It has sat empty ever since.
Last year, Ryde Town Council agreed to buy the town hall for £600,000, with estimated repair costs thought to be in the region of £2.5 million. However, the acquisition has not yet gone through. But efforts are still ongoing…
Following recent vandalism, the interior of the building has been cleaned up by the current owner, with regular visits being conducted by the local authority’s conservation officer.
It has been revealed this week that the Working Group has engaged with 2 separate, high-profile individuals, both nationally known, who have independently visited the building and are part of ongoing discussions about the future of the building, from acquisition through to project completion. Their identities are unknown.
Discussions have also been taking place with architects regarding bringing forward a detailed business case to RIBA 2 level and for grant funding bid requirements. Specialist property valuers have also been tasked to find a satisfactory method of valuation that considers the value of the social and community deficit that impacts buildings of this nature.
In the past 4 weeks, the Working Group has met with Arts Council England who has visited the building and offered advice in terms of applying for grant funding from – and through – them. In the next month, Historic England is visiting the building with regard to suggesting a ‘building register’ addition for the Town Hall and to discuss and consider a partnership approach to funding with other key funders such as Architectural Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Working Group continues to explore all and every aspect, and opportunity that presents itself, regarding the overall project to bring the Town Hall back into community use and to preserve the building from further decline or residential development schemes.
Definitely should be restored and brought back to life.
I may not remember exactly but I thought the current owners paid about £300,000 for it – so, considering it is in a worst state now, I don’t believe the Council should be paying double that amount to buy it back.
They should bring back the Hipshaker, Club Tropicana parties and other one-night festival events like that. They were always packed out with variety of age groups. Tickets were always sold out. Great atmosphere.
With the extreme financial pressure most, households are suffering. We do not need an increase in next year’s Ryde Town Council tax precept, to fund any more purchases.
Constantly seeing those doors under the archway caved in….
High profile, were they standing on a ladder at the time.
Just who are these mysterious high profile individuals? Ant and Dec? William and Harry? Tom and Gerry? Do enlighten us.
I agree an iconic building at the centre of Ryde. Was a wonderful venue for social occasions and
Should be again.
Walked along the pavement recently it was disgusting the pigeon droppings on the pavement, will let the Environment Agency know