The Shaping Newport Place Plan, commissioned in 2017 by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Newport Business Association, and Isle of Wight Council, is relaunching its Place Plan survey after five-years of continued growth and activity for the town.
Islanders are being asked to share their ideas for new projects that aim to build on and improve the quality of life for Newport residents and visitors alike. The first survey in 2017 received over 2200 responses.
Destination, Navigation and Association
As a result, the partnership was able to identify three key areas of work: Destination, Navigation and Association.
A number of activities have since been carried out, including pop up shops to encourage small business growth and long term occupancy, the introduction of one-hour of free parking in three council carparks and a packed programme of events throughout the year that are free to attend and enjoy.
Tapsell: Collaborative working has enabled us to share ideas and expertise
Andrew Tapsell, managing director of Cherry Godfrey and a member of the Newport Business Association said,
“Having been a resident of the Isle of Wight since the 1970s, I was delighted when the opportunity arose to open a business in the heart of Newport.
“I have seen how collaborative working has enabled us to share ideas and expertise, to unlock funding for events and community initiatives and build positive working relationships across the three partner organisations.”
Garratt: Now is the right time to refresh the profile of Newport
Cllr Andrew Garratt, councillor for Parkhurst and Hunnyhill and vice chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council said,
“The Shaping Newport Place Plan has helped to inform our work over the last five years and now is the right time to refresh the profile of Newport; to understand how our residents and visitors feel about the town and to help shape our future priorities.
“We are keen to continue to develop this partnership approach, working together on shared goals and making positive steps forward for our town and community.”
Upcoming activity to look out for is a number of new shopfronts, with work taking place on the first three properties in early summer thanks to shopfront grants from Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone project.
Islanders can have their say via the SurveyMonkey Website.
Jones-Evans: Efforts of Shaping Newport partnership has been inspirational
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, cabinet member for Levelling Up, Regeneration, Business Development and Tourism, added
“The way in which Newport has bounced back from the worst impacts of the pandemic thanks to the efforts of the Shaping Newport partnership to date has been inspirational.
“I would encourage all who care about our county town to keep informing the direction of travel through filling out the short survey.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Julian Winslow.
