As was previewed by OnTheWight in March, Red Funnel’s Southampton terminal will be moving as part of the £400 million Royal Pier development. In addition, the East Cowes terminal will also move in coming years, as part of the ongoing East Cowes Regeneration.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has confirmed this morning that an application submitted to the Government at the end of March as part of the relocation of Red Funnel Ferry terminals on each side of the Solent has been successful.
Ferry company to pay for new terminals
This project will now benefit from a £14.95m boost – through the Solent LEP – as part of the Solent Strategic Economic Plan and should see cross-Solent travel connections improved as part of the terminal upgrades.
According to IWC paperwork, Red Funnel Ferries will pay for the new terminals and ferry improvements themselves – matching the funding to the tune of £15m – but funding was requested for a highways infrastructure project covering terminal access roads, cycling and walking routes, ‘high quality waterfront areas’, together with land assembly on the Southampton side.
Kevin George, Chief Executive Officer, Red Funnel, said,
“We were delighted to see Government recognise the unique challenges that need to be addressed in relation to connectivity to the Isle of Wight and welcome the backing they have provided to fund the public infrastructure needed to develop the waterfront access in Southampton and East Cowes.
“Following this significant announcement we look forward to working with the many stakeholders involved to agree the detailed plans which will enable a better ferry service with improved connectivity to trains, planes and buses, as well as creating jobs in the Solent region.”
Conservative Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner said,
“I have always argued that better connectivity is key to the Island’s future; the £15m support for Red Funnel to relocate and modernise their terminals on both sides of the Solent will help achieve that. It will also enable the East Cowes regeneration project to get underway, providing new jobs and homes.”
