By Isle of Wight Observer
When Shanklin Library was relocated to Falcon Cross, its former Victoria Avenue home was initially leased and subsequently purchased by the Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust (STCT) 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, with several different sessions on most days. Currently, demand to use the facility far outstrips the supply of available time slots, and the premises are in a poor state of repair and require substantial upgrades.
The STCT now intends to submit a planning application to upgrade the facilities to include multi-purpose dance/fitness/rehearsal studios, a performing space with retractable seating for an audience of up to 106 people, a coffee shop/bar area, and a museum and heritage space to present and display the history of Shanklin.
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 today (Friday) from 2pm until 7.
They are asking anyone interested to go along to see what is being proposed, with free refreshments available.