Race against time to save iconic Christchurch art gallery The Hayloft in Wick Lane

THE race is on to save a not-for-profit gallery described as one of Christchurch’s “most precious jewels”.

The Hayloft building, which dates from the 1800s, is run by CADArts (Christchurch and District Arts) which says it is facing a “live or die” challenge after the landlord warned that it would go up for sale at the end of August.

The charity said it will have to close down if its base in Wick Lane is sold as it has nowhere else to go.

It has now launched an online crowdfunding attempt alongside applications for grants to raise around £100,000 to buy the building itself.

Chair Linda Patterson told the A&T: “We have been based there for the last 20 years with a very generous landlord.

“But sadly, ill health has forced him to put the building up for sale at the end of summer.

“He would very much like us to stay but we need to raise the money to buy the Hayloft and fast.”

The charity holds workshops, exhibitions and displays at the centre where recent ones have included a tactile exhibition for the blind.

CADArts, which is made up of hundreds of individuals and local art groups, is calling on people to come to its aid by “digging deep and contributing”.

Ms Patterson said the building has a covenant on it that means it can only used for arts and crafts purposes.

She said the charity has investigated whether it can find a new home, but this has come to nothing.

She said: “Everything these days is led by finances. We just about cover our expenses, so we cannot afford to pay a large rent.

“There is literally nowhere else we can go.

“We are asking people to support us not just for the artists’ sake but also for Christchurch as a town.

“The Hayloft is a very historic building and if we manage to keep it as our home, we intend to reboot our offering to the arts scene and surrounding district so that it will be become a shining venue for the next generation of artists to bring creativity to the town.”

The money raised will go towards hiring a property solicitor, carry out a building survey and apply for matched funding.

To donate visit bit.ly/3wMVjOj