A decision on the future of Ryde Harbour looks set to be taken by the Isle of Wight Council next week.
Ownership of the harbour could be transferred to Ryde Town Council subject to Cabinet approval next Thursday (16th December).
The town council first expressed an interest in the harbour in 2019 and councillors are poised to agree a deal that could pave the way for substantial investment and new opportunities for the 150-berth facility.
The harbour comes with 2 parcels of land and a hospitality suite which would also come under the control of the town council as part of the agreement.
Welcoming the report, Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said the move signalled a new beginning for an important town asset. He said:
“I am very pleased to hear that the work to transfer the harbour to Ryde Town Council has progressed and that we are finally getting close to completing the transfer of ownership of the harbour, which is planned for March 2022.
“I would like to thank staff from both the Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council who have worked very hard and in partnership to overcome some difficult hurdles and who have worked tirelessly to agree all of the parts of the transfer of the Harbour efficiently and without ongoing issues.
“A great testament to partnership working with town and parish councils.
Article continues below this advertisement “I am even more appreciative of the extensive upgrade and detailed business case Ryde Town Council has planned for the harbour and I am sure under their custodianship and management the harbour will go from strength to strength and deliver a great asset for residents and visitors to Ryde.”
The town council has already laid out its 5-year plan to invest in the harbour to improve services for both berth holders and visitors alike. It includes new pontoons, upgraded shower and toilet facilities as well as a new marina webcam and a visitor booking system.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, said:
“Transferring Ryde Harbour into the ownership of Ryde Town Council will maximise its potential and create new opportunities for regeneration.
“It also supports the commitments in our Corporate Plan to work with town and community councils to find better ways for our assets to work positively for the community.”
Hopefully they make a success of this as a commercial entity. Without additional charges on the council tax, if it goes wrong.
NEW AND EXCITING FUTURE
Take a walk along by the harbour and think – what has actually been done and changed in this area in decades – nothing – so, by that token, not much will change under council control – apart from price rises.
new and exciting aren’t words I would attribute to anything the councillors do.
What about the Ice Rink?