The multi-million pound regeneration project to transform East Cowes is moving ahead, with the scheme set to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council planners for consideration at the end of this month.
East Cowes Regeneration, a collection of local organisations working together to rejuvenate the town, is currently finalising the proposals, which will create new homes, jobs, leisure and employment space.
The detailed plans have been updated following the public consultation with hundreds of Islanders earlier this year. Among the changes are:
The creation of an integrated transport hub
Planners have worked closely with Red Funnel and Southern Vectis to incorporate a bus interchange at the new ferry terminal. Space has also been allocated within the marshalling yard for easy passenger drop off and taxi collections.
Better pedestrian access
Public consultation highlighted concerns about access from the terminal into the town so a pedestrian access gate has been incorporated at the Dover Road end of the marshalling yard to give travellers easier access to the town.
A mixed waterfront development
Results from the public consultation in May showed the majority of people preferred the idea of a mixed use waterfront development, featuring bars, restaurants, apartments and offices. The revised plans propose this type of development for the present marshalling area, once operations have transferred to the new site.
Red Funnel CEO, Kevin George, said:
“It was incredibly important to us that the project incorporated the views of local people, which is why we were so pleased to have received feedback from hundreds of residents during the public consultation process.
Article continues below this advertisement “Wherever possible, the feedback has been incorporated into the revised plans and we are thankful to everybody for their comments and suggestions. We now have a solid scheme which will bring new life to East Cowes, creating business and leisure opportunities as well as new jobs.”
The planning application is likely to be submitted by the end of August and the revised plans will go on show at Red Funnel’s terminal in East Cowes shortly thereafter.
Funding discussions for the regeneration project are also moving ahead. Details are currently being finalised on a £3m loan from the Solent LEP for Red Funnel’s purchase of the land. At the same time, Southampton City Council, Isle of Wight Council, and Royal Pier Waterfront (Southampton) Limited in association with Red Funnel, are working to secure a £15m Local Growth Deal investment in public infrastructure, including enhancing public realm and road improvements in East Cowes to enable the delivery of the East Cowes Project masterplan and replacement and modernisation of the ‘Floating Bridge’ chain ferry linking East and West Cowes.
The HCA (Homes and Communities Agency) has exchanged contracts with Red Funnel for the sale of the land, conditional on securing planning permission and LEP funding.
If permission is granted by the end of 2015, detailed design work will begin in 2016, with work on the ground starting in 2017.
