The 1st walking tours in Ryde have proved really popular with local people keen to find out more about the exciting plans for Ryde High Street.
A group of interested individuals has joined the project team to explore the streets and spaces where change has been proposed. The 1st phase of improvements, identified for the gateways at either end of the pedestrianized section of the High Street, could see new surface materials, new street furniture, and the introduction of green planting to help to transform the sense of arrival.
A key part of the future plans will be to make much more of the section of the High Street that links Minghella Square and Town Square, where the Co-op is based, encouraging the space to be used for live events and gatherings. And there is a desire to make more of the town’s links with the late Academy award-winning director Anthony Minghella CBE.
Richard Eastham from Feria Urbanism – the urban design practice appointed to explore how the High Street can be improved – joined the walkers and was pleased with the input from local residents.
Richard said:
“There was broad support for the ideas, especially the introduction of new surface materials at the north and south entrances to the pedestrianized zone. The introduction of more seating – more welcoming and comfortable than the current metal benches – was also supported.
“The group also considered the suggested changes to the two civic squares – Minghella Square and Town Square – and discussed the merits of introducing new street furniture and new designs that will encourage performance and activity in these two areas. All comments were noted down by the project team and will be used to refine and update the concepts, as appropriate.
“We are looking at a multi-generational approach to this section of the High Street and as part of that we’d love to see more being made of Anthony Minghella’s links – and bring that right up to date with the Tik-Tok generation.”
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Martin Gibson, Project Manager for Ryde and Newport Heritage Action Zones, has said:
“The team at Feria Urbanism have been engaging with the public and running focus groups to be able to come up with these proposals. And now we want to hear from people who live and work in Ryde to see what they think of these ideas to rejuvenate the High Street. These are still concepts, and we want to know what people think. Our High Streets are changing, and we need to look at ways to keep them vibrant. We have the opportunity to make more of the space that we currently have and make it a place for all generations to enjoy.”
The next walking tour will be digital and will be held on Zoom, on Wednesday 13th July at 19:30. The next in-person walking tours will take place on Tuesday 19th July at 14:00 and 18:00. Go to https://www.rydehighstreet.uk/ where you can sign-up for a tour of your choice.
You can also view the draft design ideas and submit your comments through the feedback form. Closing date for comments is 17:00 on Wednesday 27th July.
Is this a joke? popular with 8 people, unpopular with thousands more..they’ve wrecked the seafront during peak summer months, Ryde is losing not gaining, Ryde Last is more appropriate
Yes, really popular. -look at them all – ‘must be all of 7 people!
Maybe the others are still isolating:)
A larger queue for the Toilet at Ryde today.
On the other hand, nobody also felt like coming and voicing their discontent, somewhat popular online in comments. It’s like with events on social media: 1000s sign up, 10 come. Reality check that moaners will moan.
Lol , not had a good laugh like this in ages. Most of the good shops have gone as they can’t afford the extortionate rents , or moved to Newport. We are left with countless nail bars charity shops and hairdressers. What more can they do to improve . Oh I know open another nail bar , charity shop or hairdressers.
Or estate agents, as we don’t have enough of those in Ryde!
I bet they didn’t walk up to the Pennyfeathers site.
Wonder if they had a smoke at that place behind them?
Is someone growing weed there?
They should take our Honourable Member for Parliament around the beautiful valley which the Council and its rich development cronies are about to destroy and get their story straight about what to tell children in the future when they have nowhere to run and play, and their siblings have been run over…
Surfingwithsharks and Rough Justice are right. There were no more than 10 people on the walk including me. What we got was a sales pitch based on a survey – in which the only people questioned – according to Richard the man from Feria – were “young people”. That does not smack of a “multi-generational approach” to me. The whole premise before our leaders is based on a slanted assessment of what is needed that avoided asking 80-90% of the population !! Not great..