The council share this latest news. *Now with Bob Seely’s comment added* – Ed
Plans to transform Newport Harbour have moved a step closer with the appointment of architectural firm, Kay Elliott.
The Isle of Wight Council will work with the Devon-based company to take forward the regeneration plans for the flagship site.
New homes and improved harbour facilities
The ambition is to generate economic growth with new homes and improved harbour facilities.
Reniera O’Donnell, assistant director for regeneration, said:
“Kay Elliott has a brilliant track record and huge experience in working on sites like Newport Harbour.
“This is a big step, as this masterplan will not only shape future development along the quay but also generate many opportunities to increase footfall and encourage Islanders to re-engage with the harbour.”
Harbour masterplan
A Newport Harbour Masterplan is expected to be delivered by April 2019, before it’s written into the Island Plan and promoted to investment partners.
Kay Elliott director, Tanya Griffiths, said:
“We are looking forward to working with the team and the community to set out a plan, which provides clear development guidelines to encourage the right investment for local needs and the special character of the place.
“This masterplan is an opportunity to visualise and provide a framework for a waterfront reinvigorated by mixed use development, reinforcing Newport’s role as a county town and a visitor destination.“
Residents, business owners and other interested parties will have opportunities to share their views on the vision.
At 16:53 Bob Seely’s office added the following:
“There are many great ambitious ideas for Newport Harbour, including space for small start-up businesses, an arts quarter linked to Quay Arts, a campus as part of an extension of higher education on the Island and a station as part of a possible extension of a railway connecting Newport with Ryde.
“I look forward to seeing the report in early 2019 and then we must not delay in identifying a way forward.
“Specifically, I believe that the council should commit to a campus on the site and to ensure that the homes built there are overwhelmingly for Island youngsters and working families.”
Update: 16:53 Added statement from Bob Seely’s office
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
