The Isle of Wight Council has moved to clarify issues around the proposed new Ryde Interchange project ahead of a discussion on the plans at tonight’s cabinet meeting (Thursday 15th July).
The council is currently consulting on aspects of the plans which are part of a wider project — involving Wightlink, Southern Vectis, South Western Railway, and Network Rail — to improve travel connectivity and enhance sustainable transport at Ryde gateway by enhancing facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.
Cabinet tonight will discuss approving the plans in principle and the implementation of the scheme after having taken into account the views expressed in the consultation which runs until 3rd August.
In advance of that meeting, the Cabinet lead for transport and infrastructure, Councillor Phil Jordan, said he wanted to assure people that views expressed in the consultation would be pivotal to the council’s consideration of elements within its own control. He said it was also important to address some misinformation currently in circulation.
He said:
“Local residents can have their say and their voice will be heard but I think it is important that people make their observations and suggestions based on the facts.
“We have been awarded a significant sum of money from the Department for Transport that is time-limited and for a specific purpose. We want to use this money to benefit Ryde residents, the wider Island community and visitors coming to our shores.”
Cllr Jordan said there were 6 main areas that required clarification in light of some misconceptions he had seen circulating:
- This is not a done deal and people have time to have their say.
The council must follow the timescales for the delivery of this project set out as a condition of the government funding. This decision tonight, if taken, will help avoid any delay due to the summer political recess which might affect our ability to secure the funding. There is still though plenty of time for residents to contribute their views. - We are not concreting over Western Gardens.
The vast majority of the area of Western Gardens will remain exactly as it is, with some additional seating, a new pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Union Street, and wider pedestrian footways. One corner of existing paved area to the left of the pier currently housing public toilets and a café, will be removed to provide a new pier entrance and wider pedestrian footway. This will also open up views from the gardens to the historic pier. - We are not losing access to public toilets and café facilities.
While the café and toilets to the left of the pier will be removed, there will be additional, fully accessible disabled toilets and refurbished and expanded concessions within the refurbished station building for public use. - We are not increasing roads and taking away public space.
The scheme prioritises pedestrians and cyclists over motor vehicles making it a better, safer place for people to pass through, visit and enjoy. An additional 988sqm of pedestrian space is being created and there is scope for significantly increased planting. We are not increasing roads; we are improving the layout to provide more pedestrian-prioritised and cyclist space and much better use of the bus station. - The council is following correct planning procedures.
We have followed the planning procedures for developing highway improvements correctly. - There is an opportunity to share your views through this consultation.
While some conditions are tied to the funding awarded by the Department for Transport, there is scope for residents to have their say on the proposals through the consultation.
There are some specific questions which the Council is keen to get feedback on regarding the aesthetics of the scheme, but we also welcome comments on all relevant matters and there are open questions within the survey for people to make general observations on the plans.
The consultation document and survey, together with frequently asked questions and copies of the plans can be accessed via www.iow.gov.uk/rydeinterchange. Paper copies are available on request from [email protected].
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The council is following correct planning procedures
Is this the same planning procedure as clair mosdell used?
I can see no reference on the plan for the provision of bus shelters for the bus stops strung out along the road. At least the current bus station has undercover areas, out of the rain.
yes gordon – the intelligent people who designed the current bus station has people in mind and made sure they could wait in an area that was sheltered from the wind and rain. If this inconsiderate plan goes ahead, you will be drenched in spray from the Hovercraft departing, soaked in the rain waiting and have your shopping blown along the sea front in the wind.
clearly not that well though out
I agree, a soaking is waiting for all visitors to the island.
At present you would get off the train from the ferry and walk to the bus stand, protected from the weather and spray from the Hovercraft.
After development, you get off the train and have to walk across an open area to find the right bus stand.
So the new plan will mean soaked and irritated visitors, and you will have to cross even more open space to get to a taxi.
Some improvement ! ! !
The council must follow the timescales for the delivery of this project set out as a condition of the government funding.
No – the council can simply state – we are not able to do this – and then discuss funding at a later date – funding does not dry up to the island because the council delay this.
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the cafe is going then – using the word “concessions” doesn’t say cafe does it – so they are not exactly being honest – there won’t be a cafe – it is going.
this whole development will increase traffic, increase the amount of concrete – more pollution.
if they leave it alone, as it is – then no pollution from building and it ain’t broken.
If the bid to the Government is not accepted or worse lower will us the Council Tax payers foot some of the bill.
Hold your breaths folks large Council Tax rises could be coming next year!
i have just gone through the survey and it is an exercise in futility.
The so called survey makes you choose street furiture and kerb stones before you can comment.How can you be expected to choose anything without a visual aid or artists impression of how this development will look?
The council have has plenty of time to consult with the residents of Ryde but have chosen to wait until tbe last minute then force this through with the threat of lost funding if we dare question their scheme.
Has anyone seen an artists impression or a virtual mock up? No i suspect
Any decent local authority would invple tbe public and also have botherd to come up with some viable alternatives we could vote on.
If it was such good news for Ryde- why was it decided in 2018 but kept a secret until May 2021?
Sign petition https://www.change.org/RydeEsplanadeMatters
PhilJordan is no town planner, neither is John Metcalfe – but he has been with the council for 24 years and climbed to the top knowing all the problems Ryde seafront presents & still lets this through??
1.If residents do the consultation they are condoning the plan’s entirety, ‘worts’ an’ all’ (all be it with the bench they fancy)
2.No they are tarmacing over Western Gardens FACILITIES
3.You are increasing roads by 1300m2
4.What’s legal and what’s right are different re Planning proces
But we don’t want the cafe or toilets removed! We don’t want your damn plan! It doesn’t matter how many people don’t want it though, if they have decided in their little meetings, that it will go ahead, they will make sure of it regardless. The whole thing looks like it’s going to be forced on us, no matter what we say. It is a disgrace.
almost worth turning up at these arrogant councillors homes and discussing it with them face to face, or even when they are out shopping in their leisure time. They perhaps they will listen to the people they are supposed to be serving.