The latest master plan for the redevelopment of an Isle of Wight ferry terminal could be unveiled later this year — while East Cowes Town Council (ECTC) has criticised a delay to a proposal being made public.
In the last 10 years, various multi-million-pound redevelopment schemes have been announced by Red Funnel for its East Cowes terminal, including expanding the site and potentially featuring a hotel, houses and retail.
Apart from making its marshalling yard bigger, to hold more cars and lorries, major work has not progressed — although houses and a pub were knocked down on Dover Road, in 2019. Now, Red Funnel’s operational director, Leanna Lakes, has said the ferry company is moving into a detailed design phase.
In February, ECTC’s members expressed their frustration and disappointment over what they said was a lack of information.
They said they had been expecting the plans to be revealed in January, but nothing has yet been put forward.
The town council says the delay holds up traffic management plans, which would partially address congestion issues caused by ferry traffic.
Ms Lakes said Red Funnel had experienced delays due to COVID-19 but added the ferry company was committed to delivering a solution that works for everyone.
Councillor Cameron Palin said he thought the delay showed “the ferry company is not interested in East Cowes, nor does it care about the community.”
Ms Lakes thanked the local council and community for their patience and said more updates will be coming in the next few months.
It’s really not a surprise that red funnel have experienced some delays with the development plans ! Little bit like most things Red funnel do ! DELAYED !
That is a rather unfair comment. The Red Funnel Car Ferry runs within 5 min of schedule over 98% of the time.
It does, when it’s not been cancelled!
The new terminal will probably be built by 24. 2124 that is.
East Cowes is fast becoming a mere village attached to a ferry terminal
Time would be better spent getting the ferries running on time and without cancellations. They ob have too much money and should reduce their prices. Fat chance !:
Is this because they are going to build the tunnel here… ??
Lost count of RF redevelopment plans for E Cowes. They have only managed to obtain a vast amount of land, not sure if they own it or what, but what they have given back to E Cowes has been very poor standard or non existent along with a very expensive and lousy service and increased heavy traffic on the only route out. So far it has been all in their favour so lets hope this time there will be something positive for E Cowes. This has been going on for over 10 years, Covid only started in 2020 so no excuse or viability in stating that was the reason for delay. I am getting sick of liars in industry and politics, about time someone started telling the truth, they may actually get some respect and more positivity from the public
BORING……BUILD A BRIDGE