The Isle of Wight Island is set to receive £13.5m from levelling up funding, under round three of the grant process, for the Island Green Link initiative.
In a letter to the Leader of Isle of Wight council, Phil Jordan, the Minister for Levelling up, Jacob Young, confirmed the news today (Monday).
Isle of Wight council were previously unsuccessful in their application, but the Minister explained that rather than run a new competition for round three, officials went back to some of the impressive bids submitted during round two that were unsuccessful.
Jordan: Will help us bring forward important improvements and additions to the green travel offer
Speaking today, Councillor Jordan said,
“This is great news for our Island. Our efforts have been rewarded in a very positive way.
“This is a substantial amount of money that will make a huge difference and help us bring forward important improvements and additions to the green travel offer, helping with cycle and walking ways between Ryde and Yarmouth which will include better connection from Newport town centre to Gunville, and the long-planned West Wight Greenway.
“In addition, improvements to connectivity and facilities at transport interchanges along the route are also planned.”
Jordan: Unlocking improvements to highways and public areas in Newport
He went on to add,
“The grant funding can also unlock improvements to highways and public areas in Newport, including the construction of the Taylor Road link (near to Argos), which will unlock the route for the Island Green Link through the town.”
Subject to conditions
With full plans and details to follow, officers from Government and the Isle of Wight council will now work on getting the schemes developed and delivered as soon as possible.
The offer of funding is subject to the council confirming that the bid has not changed significantly, is still deliverable by March 2026, and still represents value for money.
The funding not be used to support activity that is substantially different to the project plans.
