New exciting plans for Isle of Wight former builder's yard

Ventnor Exchange was first established as a ‘pop-up’ venue with the support of a crowdfunding campaign in 2014.

Since then, it has gradually transformed the old Post Office building on Church Street to host a bar, cafe, record store, co-working and theatre.

However, the arts organisation hopes to turn Ingrams Yard, named after the family business which worked on site since 1840, into an additional new creative space for the town.

A fundraising appeal has been launched to kickstart the project and raise the initial funds needed to get the project off the ground.

• To help support Ventnor Exchange's Crowdfunder, visit HERE.

Jack Whitewood, co-director, said: “Ingrams Yard will be a place where artists, craftspeople and creative start-ups can test and refine their ideas.

“A place where you can learn new skills, with the type of messy workshop spaces we don’t currently have at the Exchange, as well as a lot more room for facilities like a large rehearsal studio, perfectly suited to activities like drama, dance and yoga.

“This Crowdfunder is about bringing parts of the space to life much earlier so it doesn’t sit empty for years, and it will preserve the building for community use down the line, but we need your help to make it happen.”

Ingrams Yard on Ventnor's Albert Street (Image: Ventnor Exchange)

Mhairi Macaulay, co-founder, added: “It will be a place that hosts a wide programme of events, along with a new outdoor market with street food, craft, design and vintage throughout the year, and it will provide major new infrastructure for Ventnor Fringe, giving the town centre a key new venue to draw in audiences.”