East Cowes set for transformation with Red Funnel's latest development plans

Red Funnel‘s development plans for their East Cowes terminal and surrounding area have resurfaced again, almost nine months since the public consultation took place.

In April 2016, the ferry company had their expansion plans rejected by the Isle of Wight council planning committee. An appeal was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, who overturned the planning committee’s decision.

New application
This new hybrid application seeks planning permission for the following:

Full planning permission for demolition of existing terminal building;
Proposed new ferry terminal with associated drop-off and car parking to include vehicular and pedestrian access off Castle Street; pedestrian and cycling facilities;
Landscaping;
Revised marshalling facilities with access and egress to Castle Street; two linkspans;
Upgrades to Trinity Landing;
Closure of public slipway;
Outline application for mixed development comprising up to 30 residential dwellings, up to 520m² of flexible commercial space (Use Class E) and 80 bedroom hotel
Venture Quays/Trinity House Depot And Wharf/Red Funnel Marshalling Yard To Include Trinity And Phoenix Yard In Dover Rd And Castle Street

Red Jet berth
Delving into the many documents on the planning portal, there are plans to include a new berth for the Red Jet, which currently provides a high speed service between Southampton and Cowes. However, the agents for Red Funnel say,

“Whilst no changes to the Red Jet service are currently being proposed, once operational it is envisaged that the Red Jet may use the East Cowes berth occasionally, for instance when the Cowes berth undergoes maintenance, to provide resilience to this service, alongside during busy periods such as Island festival events and bank holidays, during which the arrival of passengers to East Cowes is considered to alleviate strain on local transport.”

Bolstering resilience of Red Funnel services
Red Funnel say the main driver for the proposed development is to,

“Ensure the resilience of the Red Funnel services between Southampton and East Cowes, which currently rely on a single linkspan in East Cowes and a single pontoon for Red Jet services in Cowes, both of which constitute a ‘single point of failure’.”

Regeneration for East Cowes
With the East Cowes Regeneration in mind, Red Funnel say the proposed development would,

“Therefore contribute towards meeting the needs of the Island by improving and providing resilience for cross-Solent travel opportunities and realising regeneration for East Cowes.”

Adding,

“The proposed development would result in significant improvements to the customer experience and reduction of traffic congestion in East Cowes town centre. It will improve the island gateway and enhance first and last impressions.”

The mixed-use developments proposes 30 new dwellings, along with 520m2 commercial floorspace. The hotel in Phoenix Yard would comprise 80 bedrooms.

Red Funnel say the development would be phased to ensure ferry operations can continue.

A reminder of the plans
The artist’s impression below sets out some of the changes that are planned, including the new hotel and mixed use buildings, as well as the new terminal and Red Jet beth.