Controversial changes for the Ryde Interchange transport scheme are a step closer after an application was submitted to start demolition works.
The fate of the 1930s public toilet and cafe block on Western Gardens had been partially signed since the approval of the Ryde Interchange scheme two months ago.
Toilet and cafe block is set to be demolished
As part of the transport scheme, which feeds into a wider investment to increase cross-Solent transport connectivity, the toilet and cafe block is set to be demolished and replaced with a new pier access road, involving parking and waiting bays for cars.
A planning application has been submitted by the Isle of Wight Council to carry out the demolition, starting the necessary work for the £10 million gateway scheme.
Mixed reactions
The decision to remove the facilities has been met with mixed reactions.
Campaigners frequently questioned why the council were going to demolish the most used toilets on the Island, to make way for road changes, but were unsuccessful in getting the highways scheme thrown out.
New toilets in the station
Instead, the authority said new public toilets would be installed in the Ryde Esplanade train station, along with a cafe provision, but plans are yet to be unveiled by South Western Railway for that part of the project.
As a compromise, the council has said temporary toilets will be installed in the area until the new ones are built and opened.
Building is of little, if any, historic value
In planning documents submitted in favour of the demolition, the council say the building is of little, if any, historic value and its removal will improve some views of the conservation area when people come off the pier.
During consultation on the scheme in the summer, Historic England said the building did not positively contribute to the conservation area.
The council said an application to Historic England to have the building listed was rejected, confirming their view.
To view the council’s plans, 21/02431/FUL, you can visit the planning register. Comments can be submitted until 12th January 2022.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
