The Bay Place Plan is setting up to be the most significant community project the Isle of Wight has seen in years, bringing Sandown, Shanklin, and Lake together behind a shared vision for the area’s future.
For residents of the Bay, it represents a rather unique opportunity. It represents a chance for them to have a say in how to shape and develop their towns over the coming decade, which doesn’t come around often.
What the Plan Actually Is
Launched in January 2024, the Bay Place Plan was delivered by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with Sandown, Shanklin, and Lake town and parish councils.
The 98-page document was actually shaped by residents and local businesses through a three-day “think space” of workshops and walking tours. This is much different from the top-down approach we’re used to seeing.
The group chair, Paddy Lightfoot, mentioned that the plan is a starting point rather than a fixed roadmap. He later said that the real challenge of such a project is to deliver on what the local communities want now and in the years ahead.
A steering group made up mainly of members of the public alongside two councillors from each town and parish council is now overseeing how they’re able to meet their goals.
The Projects Taking Shape
In Shanklin, we have the restoration of the sea wall from the Lazy Wave Cafe to Little Hope Beach, the rebuilding of the Performing Arts Centre into community spaces, and the restoration of the Esplanade’s Diamond Jubilee Clock.
In Lake, there’s a lot of attention on the landscaping of the New Road community space. Sandown has progressed with a Changing Places accessibility project and is exploring a business association of its own as well.
Why Tourism Still Matters to the Bay
Tourism has been an important part of the Bay’s seafront economy since the beginning. The plan recognises this, which is why they’re revitalising a lot of hotels, attractions, and seafront amenities to be more appealing for visitors each year.
A successful seaside location has always relied on having plenty to do.
Though, due to the popularity of online entertainment, including online casinos and slots online, many people are now choosing to spend more time online than ever before.
Online platforms are able to provide hundreds of games, varying in game type and theme. This is exactly what a seaside area needs to offer. They need to provide a bit for everyone to attract as many visitors as possible.
However, the plan does aim to offer new experiences. They’ll be restoring a variety of spaces, from sea walls to community spaces, which might just be enough to provide that variety that’s needed.
A Long-Term Vision
Without question, the Bay Place Plan isn’t a quick fix, and the people behind it are completely aware of that. However, as a long-term project, it looks positive for the community and for tourism.
We believe, though, that although you may not see the value now, in the future, you will. It’ll offer something valuable, coordinated, and community-driven, which is something rare with such developments.
