Former Hayloft Gallery in Wick Lane, Christchurch, could be turned into one-bedroom Airbnb

A FORMER art gallery in Christchurch town centre could be turned into an Airbnb property.

Hayloft Gallery in Wick Lane was a craft studio and gallery for over 20 years but it has been closed for over a year due to a “decline in customers and demand”.

It had been managed by CADArts (Christchurch and District Arts) a charity comprising hundreds of local artists and arts groups.

The charity launched a kickstarter campaign to try to buy the Hayloft in November 2021 when ill heath forced the then-owner to put it up for sale, but only £10,000 was raised. At the time the chair of CADArts said: “It’s a very special place and everybody loves it.”

She said she hoped “something lovely” would be created in the building which is listed due to “architectural or historic interest”.

Now Quartleys Property wants to transform it into a one-bedroom house to rent and has applied to BCP Council for a change of use saying keeping it as a gallery is “unviable”.

An art studio with an internal floor space of only 51 square metres was created at the former stable block in 1990. Three years later it become a craft shop and gallery with living accommodation above.

A change of use from craft studio/gallery to class E – commercial, business and service – was granted by BCP Council in November 2023.

A planning and access statement by architect Chapman Lily states that as the proposal does not include any external alterations it will not “affect or harm the setting” of the site.

The company also said an Airbnb would “not compromise the setting of any heritage assets” and contribute to revitalising Christchurch town centre.

There would be living space, kitchen facilities and a toilet on the ground floor with a bedroom and bathroom above.