Plans for the multi-million pound East Cowes Regeneration
through the redevelopment of the waterfront area have been attracting opinions far and wide.
Over 600 residents attended the public consultation that took place last week, where artist impressions and details of the redevelopment were on display.
With the aid of £15m Solent LEP funding, ferry company Red Funnel intend to relocate their ferry terminal both on the Island and in Southampton.
Concerns raised by residents
A number of readers have been in touch with OnTheWight concerned about the plans.
Many have also left comments on a previous article sharing concerns over prosposed traffic flows through the town, loss of jobs from relocation of businesses needing deep water frontage, scepticism over plans being followed through, etc.
Interested parties
In the hope of bringing some clarity for residents, OnTheWight posed a series of questions to Red Funnel on issues that had been raised with us.
Does Red Funnel have a developer/partner for the land?
We do not currently have a development partner as we haven’t openly marketed the land yet, however, we do have two interested parties who we are currently in discussions with.
Once we have secured outline planning for the site we are confident that the land will be an attractive development site which will attract a lot of interest.
Sale of marshalling yard
Does Red Funnel have to sell the land in order to purchase the new marshalling yard?
Yes – the sale of Phoenix Yard and Trinity Yard / Trinity Wharf is required to assist with the funding of the terminal re-location.
It is therefore essential that we secure outline planning for an attractive and commercially viable scheme.
Responsible for entire vision?
Will Red Funnel be responsible for developing the entire vision for East Cowes?
No – Red Funnel are required to submit a hybrid planning application for the terminal re-location. This involves a detailed application for the new location of the marshalling yard / terminal building and intended use for the land which will be developed on when Red Funnel relocate (Phoenix Yard, Trinity Yard / Wharf).
In order for this to happen we have held a number of consultation events (including the Public Consultation event on 28th June which was attended by more than 600 people) to assist in developing an outline plan for the East Cowes regeneration. Following this an outline plan for the regeneration of this area will be submitted as part of the hybrid planning application.
Once the land has been sold to a developer, they will progress through the detailed planning process which will involve further consultation with stakeholders prior to a final submission being made.
No guarantees
What guarantees do Red Funnel give that the regeneration of Trinity/marshalling yards will happen if they are not going to develop it themselves?
Red Funnel cannot guarantee that the regeneration will take place, however, we are confident that once the land receives approval for a commercially viable development scheme, the development opportunity will attract a lot of interest.
The key is that the outline planning scheme has to be a commercially viable one in order to gain interest from developers.
Promise of jobs
What evidence does Red Funnel have about the number/quality of jobs the plan says will be generated?
The planning application will detail the potential range, type and size of the intended use of the land e.g. retail, housing, restaurants etc. Based on this it can be determined how many jobs will be created within East Cowes. The number of jobs created for the actual construction phase of the works can also be easily determined.
There are, however, further benefits to the Island’s economy which will be delivered by improving the Gateway to the Isle of Wight. This will drive further investment and will certainly create significant job opportunities across the Island.
Relocation of current businesses
Has suitable premises (with deep water frontage) been sought for the businesses that will be forced out of Trinity Wharf? If so where?
The current businesses located in Trinity Wharf and Seaholme Yard are on short / midterm leases. No works will take place until these leases have expired. Some of these businesses require deep water access and others don’t. Businesses who do not require water access may be able to be incorporated into the new development.
Discussions are in hand with IWCC, HCA and the SLEP to identify alternative locations on the Medina which would be suitable for those who do require deep water frontage.
Have your say
If you were unable to attend the public consultation, you can (until Monday 8th June) view the exhibition boards at Red Funnel’s East Cowes terminal building.
Alternatively you can view the plans online, where you can also leave your comments.
