CONCOURSE ACCESS TO THE PIER TO BE OPENED UP AS INTERCHANGE SCHEME CONTINUES

An extended concourse providing direct access to the new pedestrian walkway at Ryde Pier from the Esplanade Train Station will open to the public on Monday 19th February, it has been confirmed.  Almost 2 years into the controversial Ryde Interchange project, work continues to transform the appearance of the train station and the surrounding area. The latest project milestone to be reached is the extension of the concourse which provides pedestrian access to the pier. Eventually, this will also act as the access to the refurbished public toilets – but they are still not yet open. The works have allowed the ceiling height through the old ticket office to be raised exposing the historic structure and architectural details. An automatic door has been installed in the northern elevation to prevent this becoming a wind tunnel and a shutter at the connection to the current concourse will allow the route to be secured overnight. This suggests that 24-hour pedestrian access to the Pier won’t be possible… The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that the access will officially open up on Monday 19th February, which will provide a safe route for pedestrians as the next lot of works get underway. It was back in November that Island Echo reported that the final stage of the works was about to begin, with expectations that the access would have been completed in December. Contractors will now begin work to glaze the western elevation of the station, which will modernise the whole building and provide an area for a café. It is hoped that the café will be open in time for Summer. Peter Williams, South Western Railway customer and commercial director, has said:

“We’re very pleased to see the great progress being made on this important project, and particularly pleased with both its integration into the wider environment and the quality of the environment we are now able to provide.”

Councillor Phil Jordan, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has said:

Article continues below this advertisement

“I’m really pleased with the progress and quality of the work and will be interested to see the feature tower at the main station access when the project is completed later this spring and hopefully opening of the café for the summer season”.