More than £40 million has been earmarked to be spent on new capital projects by the Isle of Wight Council in the next year.
The projects, which range from major investment in affordable housing to pump-prime funding for a new cultural centre as part of the regeneration of Newport Harbour, are detailed in budget papers published today (Wednesday).
Urgent housing crisis sets the agenda
The Island’s urgent housing crisis sets the agenda for the capital programme with the council proposing to allocate £29 million to deliver genuinely affordable homes.
Nearly £2.5 million will be allocated to providing the start-up capital necessary for a council-owned housing company — providing for local people — to become operational.
Independent living flats
Elsewhere, more than £1.5 million is proposed to be invested in adult social care with £1.4 million to improve the availability of independent living flats for those who need high levels of support.
To help Island householders and tenants with disabilities to remain in their homes, a further £708,000 in improvement grants will also be set aside.
£9 million refurbishing and remodelling Bay School
In education, the new £4.9 million primary school in the West Wight will open in January 2023 and almost £9 million will be spent in refurbishing and remodelling the Bay School (secondary site) by October 2022.
Other substantial works will be completed at Newchurch Primary School and Medina House School this summer.
£3 million on infrastructure and transport
The council also plans to spend £3 million on infrastructure and transport.
Around £75,000 has been ringfenced to repair and reinstate footpaths and other rights of way damaged during last summer’s floods.
There are also major enhancements proposed for Shanklin’s cliff lift, with £170,000 set to be invested in painting the lift shaft and replacing the lower canopy to ensure its long-term future.
Further significant sums are committed to a wide range of projects to improve the lives of Islanders, both at home and in the community.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
