This year marks a major milestone for Ryde Demolition, as the Isle of Wight firm celebrates 40 years of family-run success and significant local projects.
Founded by Neil ‘Harry’ Harrison and Paul Singleton in around 1982, and incorporated officially in 1985, Ryde Demolition quickly built a reputation across the Isle of Wight and the South Coast for its skilled work in dismantling and demolition.
From the very beginning, it was a true family affair. Fred Harrison, Harry’s father, offered his own time to assist in the demolition and dismantling works of Ryde Hospital in the early 1990s – a landmark project that people still talk about to this day.
Part of the old building can still be found in the square off Anglesea Street.
Today, the family legacy continues with Harry’s daughter, Maisie, leading the company into the next generation. Harry remains firmly on the tools overseeing site activities.
Tony Ford and Grahame Strickland, who were with the firm for around 30 years, recently retired after completing some of the biggest demolition projects for the company.
Over the decades, Ryde Demolition has been at the forefront of a wide range of significant projects across the Isle of Wight. The company has recycled as much as 85% of all materials from the projects it has completed, with reclaimed materials going back into the community for a new lease of life.
One of their most memorable undertakings was the demolition of the former Savoy Hotel in Sandown, which made headlines on Island Echo in 2015.
Other major projects include the demolition of the old fuel station at Binstead Hill, the clearance of the much-loved Harcourt Sands in Ryde, and the historic Marine Court Hotel in Cowes.
More recently, the firm completed the long-awaited demolition of the Worsley Pub in Wroxall and is currently undertaking the clearance of Ravenscourt in Ventnor following the building’s collapse earlier this year.
The business has long been based at St John’s Hill in Ryde, a location that has suffered its fair share of damage from wayward motorists negotiating the bend outside. However, Island Echo recently reported that Ryde Demolition will soon be relocating to a new site on Smallbrook Lane after planning permission was granted for 9 new homes at their current yard.
PHOTOS
If only they could tidy up Sandown and demolish
all the derelict hotels.
There’s more than a few bits of the old Ryde Hospital in my old house in St Helens too…courtesy of Paul. Decent bloke.