A new feature could be installed along an Isle of Wight seafront to mark a lesser-known historical figure who played a big role in the town.
An archway is proposed at the entrance to Bell’s Landing on East Cowes Esplanade to raise the profile of Robert Bell, who once owned Norris Castle and a very large part of the town.
Raising awareness of Mr Bell’s significance
The Isle of Wight council now owns the landing, but said Mr Bell’s significance to the town is not well known or celebrated in the town so is seeking permission to install the archway.
It could be made of galvanised steel and painted black to match existing archways across the river in Cowes, at the Royal Yacht Squadron and Trinity pontoons.
The archway would also match the railings at the nearby Victoria Barracks.
19th-century newspaper tycoon
Mr Bell, a 19th-century newspaper tycoon who was also a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, owned much of East Cowes, including the space along the Esplanade and built the mile-long seawall.
He also gave part of his land away — which is now Albany Green — with the proviso that nothing is built on it.
Historic location
The tidal landing stage — now used as a public launch for kayaks and canoes — is also thought to be where a telephone line came into the Island so Alexander Graham Bell could demonstrate the telephone to Queen Victoria.
In January 1878, the first long-distance calls were made from Osborne House to London, Cowes and Southampton.
Will go over the current opening
The archway will go over the current opening to Bell’s Landing in the seawall, near the former public toilets and Albany Green, to improve and emphasise the landing point, the council says.
A solar light could be put on top of the archway for nighttime use.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/01769/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. The public consultation runs until 8th December 2023.
Levelling up bid
The area is part of the levelling up bid which has seen buildings, businesses and public space improved under £5.8 million from government to become a marine hub.
The archway could be a further improvement to the area, the council has said.
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
