Shademakers UK, the powerhouse behind the new DepARTment arts centre in Ryde, closed the road on Thursday last week for the long-awaited formal opening.
The dramatic red gates, designed by Alice Malia were swung open after Mayor of Ryde, Richard May, cut the ribbon and declared DepARTment open to the public. Earlier in the day, those who took part in the heritage project were invited to officially open the other gates at the side of the building.
“150 years of making and retail heritage”
29-30 Cross Street has more than 150 years of making and retail heritage, from blacksmiths to corset makers, ironmongers to hairdressers and most recently an iconic department store.
Now the building has been transformed into an arts centre, boasting a fascinating heritage exhibition designed by Teresa Grimaldi, Tracy Mikich and Sean Turner, with work from Lauren Fry.
Open to the public
The building will be open to the public on Thursdays to Saturdays (10am-4pm) for the immediate future, before opening Mondays to Saturdays once all building work and snagging has been completed.
The ground floor hosts the exhibition and gift shop space, along with a podcast studio, performance space and dance studio.
The first floor offers permanent studio spaces for makers and artists, as well as Stitch Department and the new cafe, aptly named The Office (if you receive a phone call when there, you can tell the caller you’re “in the office”).
Huge praise for the project
Last week’s launch event was attended by representatives from Arts Council England, Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund, alongside local partners from Isle of Wight council and numerous local organisations and individuals.
Carol Jaye from Ryde Arts, said,
“It’s a huge opportunity. The building is open with exhibitions and performances, but for the future, it is an exciting blank canvas, who knows what will be painted on that canvas and it is now over to the community to embrace the space and allow their imagination to enable it to take shape.”
£2.4m investment
The transformation of the building, which will become the new home for Shademakers, Ryde Arts, Stitch Department and Horse Box Theatre, was made possible with £2.4 million public funding.
It was led by Shademakers in partnership with Isle of Wight council, architects TurnerWorks, and a dedicated team of experts and funders.
“A truly significant moment in the cultural development of the Isle of Wight”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West, said,
“This is a truly significant moment in the cultural development of the Isle of Wight, an Arts Council England Priority Place. DepARTment is poised to become an exemplary high-street regeneration project, one that’s sure to bring positive benefits to Ryde for years to come.
“The work Shademakers has done to redevelop this famous building and build a creative community around it is a model that other places are sure to draw on. We are proud to be delivering this investment on behalf of DCMS to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to high-quality creative and cultural experiences on their doorstep.”
“An inspired vision”
Laura Williams, Development Manager for England at the Architectural Heritage Fund, said,
“The AHF is passionate about helping communities to rescue and re-use valued historic buildings. DepARTment is such a great example of this. Shademakers and the team had an inspired vision for the vacant Packs store, and we were excited to help them develop their plans with one of our early stage grants back in 2021.
“They have now completed an amazing transformation, creating a vibrant arts and community space that will be a fantastic asset to Ryde and the Island”.
“This has been a fantastic project”
Leader of the Isle of Wight council, Phil Jordan said,
“This has been a fantastic project and achievement that enhances the creative opportunities for the local community in Ryde and on the Isle of Wight and offers new access in an area of deprivation for people to engage in creative and visual arts, theatre, digital, and carnival activities.
“I am pleased that the support of Turner Works, the Isle of Wight Council and the substantial investment from Arts Council England has made the project possible and I look forward to the continuing success of Shademakers and the DepARTment in the years to come.”
“High streets are at the heart of our communities”
Hannah Parham, Head of Partnerships at Historic England, said,
“Historic England believes that high streets are at the heart of our communities, and we are delighted to match our vision with action in Ryde by investing £228,000 in the repair and regeneration of DepARTment on Cross Street in the town centre.
“The project – which follows on from our High Street Heritage Action Zone programme – brings new life and purpose to this elegant Victorian listed building.
“Through the inspirational work of Shademakers, and the participation of people of the Isle of Wight, DepARTment promises to be a thriving space for creative workshops, classes, exhibitions, events and performances.”
You can visit DepARTment Thursdays to Saturdays (10am-4pm) or attend one of the many events or workshops. Check out the DepARTment website for more information.
