Department

Many islanders have fond memories of the historic Elizabeth Packs department store. After the owner passed away, it was left empty for several years.  

Sharon George, a resident and artist at local arts and carnival organisation Shademakers UK, had been walking her dog by the abandoned building every day, wondering what might happen to it.  

During a conversation with a friend, Sharon was invited to a tour. Her organisation Shademakers had been looking for a new workspace for their costume-making and community workshops. They had a bold vision to reimagine the empty historic building and transform it into a vibrant multi-use hub for the whole community.  

So together with Turner Works, a group of architects well-known for reusing and redesigning old buildings, Shademakers signed the ten-year lease for the building – now called Department.  

Shademakers are transforming Department into a place for residents and tourists alike – with arts and culture at its heart. Department, opening in February 2025, will host community activities, workshops, exhibitions and events – hoping to attract 500,000 visitors each year.  

Creating a destination space in Ryde

Sharon is not shy in sharing her love for living in Ryde. But she also recognises the unique challenges of the community: “During the summer, we have almost two million visitors to the Isle of Wight. An island community has a lot of differences to mainland UK – at Shademakers we work with many people who have never left the Isle of Wight or experienced arts and culture.”  

Shademakers have faced enormous logistical challenges, including the rising cost of materials. Despite this, they raised £2.5 million through grants including from the Arts Council, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Historic England’s Ryde High Streets Heritage Action Zone. This money has been used to carry out major repairs and make sure the historic building is accessible for everyone.  

Sharon added: “When we moved into the building, we discovered a lot of information dating back to the 1700s. All sorts of makers were based in the building, so we started thinking about how to tell its fascinating story and the heritage of Ryde.”  

Department will help people to connect with others, get creative and play a role in the fabric of the building.

Sharon said: “The building will host our workshops and skills training for people of all ages – whether it’s sewing with textiles or sustainable materials, theatre skills and event production. We’ll also be offering upholstery and wood restoration classes, inviting people to help us restore furniture – while saving money renovating this huge building!”  

More than 40 community organisations are involved in the creation of Department, including local theatre companies, youth groups, local artists and a sustainable fashion collective. The vision for Department also includes a shop for local makers to sell their work. Income will also be generated through many other activities – the theatre/cinema space, dance and fitness classes, the sound studio, four artist studios, a cafe and bar as well as a hire space for local communities and events.

Preparing for reopening next year

While the final building is still being developed, Sharon and her team have spent months showcasing their art in the window displays – from underwater scenes, to large red and white roses celebrating the England football team, and cardboard sculptures.

Sharon adds: “We had a lady, walking past our colourful shop window display, who said she felt so proud to live in Ryde because of what we’re doing. When people feel proud to live somewhere, it makes a difference to how they respond to everything. If there is something interesting happening, the community will come to the town centre. All because of arts and creativity.  

“When I was a teenager, I went to the high street because of the experience. People need buildings that they can feel a part of. And a lot of that’s been just stripped away from our towns and our communities. Some people need to leave their houses, to speak to people, be creative and see colour.”  

Shademakers have already brought £4 million into the town – and the reimagined building will bring in further economic benefits for Ryde. Department is working with local contractors, creating jobs and helping money to stay on the island.  

Department initially took on a short-term lease to secure the necessary investment it needed. Now, they have agreed to a 40-year lease with the private landlord to “safeguard the space as a cultural building for the next 40 years”.