The Isle of Wight Council have confirmed that the regeneration of Ryde Esplanade will now focus on leisure and recreation, not development.
As reported by Island Echo last month, protesters have accused the Isle of Wight Council of ignoring a regeneration consultation by pressing ahead with plans to sell the harbour to developers, with fears it could result in flats being built on or around the seafront site.
However, the Isle of Wight Council has now said it wants to find the best option to keep the harbours operating as harbours. They are seeking to begin a process of identifying a potential investment partner to take on the required maintenance and much-needed improvements at both Ryde and Ventnor harbours.
Councillor Stuart Hutchinson, Cabinet member for resources, has confirmed in a statement:
“To be absolutely clear about our intentions, the council is working to develop a revised approach for the regeneration of Ryde Esplanade, which focuses on maintaining it for leisure and recreational purposes.
“Previous plans drawn up identifying options for development are no longer being pursued.
“We’ve had lots of consultation with residents and other interested parties over recent months which has helped make this clear.”
Ryde Town Council will now need to consider the options that may be open to them in light of this statement and will continue to update the community when progress has been made with this.
