Years of discussion have finally paid off for Ryde Town Council, as it has been given the green light to buy Ryde Harbour.
The town council had been first in line to take the harbour off the Isle of Wight Council’s hands.
Its transfer and that of the surrounding land was agreed at no cost, but the Isle of Wight Council is set to lose more than £11,000 per year in income.
Ryde Town Council had been waiting for a decision since March and has been in talks for nearly 3 years.
Ambitious plans have been proposed to rejuvenate the harbour — turning it into a marina. A 5-year business case has been outlined, including a marina webcam, new and improved berths and pontoons, as well as more facilities, like showers and toilets.
The town council is hoping to draw a line under the old ownership with a new start, stamping its own identity, values and customer service from the get-go.
Commenting on the Isle of Wight Council’s loss of income, cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Julie Jones-Evans said it was a small price to pay. She said it showed the Alliance administration’s commitment to working with town and parish councils.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting last week, Councillor Jones-Evans said it was heartening to hear how much passion and dedication there is for the regeneration of Ryde, calling it a major step-change for the town.
With the unanimous decision of the cabinet, Ryde Town Council will become the new owner of the harbour on 1st April.
A piece of good news for a change for Ryde, As us residents dont have to pay for it, I take it, that RTC will find suitable partners to help with the regeneration without increasing our council tax to cover the cost of it.
One hopes this will lead to some improvements, especially regarding security.
We overnighted there in our 20ft boat some time ago, with our two young children. To my dismay the harbour master left early, locking up his office, drunken noisy yobs later started creating along the harbour wall, throwing things around into the harbour nearby our boat. We felt very vulnerable until very late when the local feral youths left, so very little sleep for me that night..
– Understandably perhaps, we never went there again.