Isle of Wight council leader, Ian Stephens, told OnTheWight this morning that he’s travelling to Southampton to meet with the Chief Exec of Solent LEP and “will be pursuing full funding of the floating bridge.”
A comment issued by Cllr Stephens this morning in relation to several funding successes as part of the Solent Strategic Economic Plan, indicates that Government funding could be on the table for a new floating bridge at Cowes.
Referring to the Red Funnel funding success, Cllr Ian Stephens, said,
“The investment announced today for improved connectivity to the Island is critical for businesses and residents here and will unlock major growth opportunities for us.
“I am also pleased at the benefits it will bring to East Cowes allowing us to bring new life to the town centre and create opportunities for investment and employment while improving the connectivity with West Cowes through the provision of a new floating bridge.”
Funding approved for Red Funnel terminals
As reported earlier, Red Funnel have been successful in winning a funding bid via the Solent LEP for £14.95m towards infrastructure changes when their terminals on both sides of the Solent are relocated.
Floating bridge included in original bid
Just after the funding bid was submitted to the Government at the end of March, OnTheWight revealed that as part of the same funding bid that included highways infrastructure for terminal access roads, cycling and walking routes and ‘high quality waterfront areas’, reference was also made to a new ‘floating bridge’ between East and West Cowes being funded.
Image: © Cowes Floating Bridge in 1935 by W Robert Moore via Dennis Russell
