The changes proposed for Ryde Esplanade have been dubbed the latest ‘St Mary’s Roundabout’ by an Isle of Wight councillor.
Speaking at a meeting of the Isle of Wight Council’s policy and scrutiny committee for neighbourhoods and regeneration last week, Cllr Tig Outlaw compared the controversial plans to those of the transformation of St Mary’s Roundabout to a junction.
Mixed reactions
When first announced, both highways projects were met with mixed reactions from residents and business owners, with petitions started and calls for a public meeting.
Cllr Outlaw said that when he saw the plans for the Ryde Esplanade to aid the interchange, it reminded him of when the plans were first seen for the Newport junction which came with quite a lot of criticism.
Outlaw: I commend the team for bringing these to the table
He said,
“I was very supportive of [St Mary’s] as I saw straightaway there were real benefits to the plans.
“There was disruption during the process, but the result has been widely recognised and made quite a transformative difference to that part of Newport.
“Bearing that in mind I have looked at these [Ryde] plans in detail and I think they are good.
“There are clearly some concerns from some residents and business owners over some aspects, but overall, I think the plans are excellent and I commend the team for bringing these to the table.”
Outlaw: This could deliver a real, important change
Cllr Outlaw also said it reminds him of the transformation of Portsmouth Harbour and the good difference that has made.
He said,
“Frankly, looking at Ryde and that area of the seafront, it looks very tired and needs a lot of work: this could deliver a real, important change.”
Ward: Generous to call it tired
Former cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, Cllr Ian Ward, agreed with Cllr Outlaw, but said saying it was tired was a bit generous.
He said,
“Ryde will benefit from the whole reshaping of the interchange.”
What’s planned
Under the proposals, which are set to be approved by this week, a new entranceway to the pier would be created, although demolishing a public toilet and cafe, reworking the bus station and adding traffic lights to the bottom of George Street.
Critics have called for the popular public toilets and cafe to be retained, but the amenities will be put inside of the train station, although plans have yet to be announced by South Western Railway.
£10m project
The changes to the Esplanade are part of a £10m government-funded project to increase connectivity to the mainland while also making it a safer and better area for pedestrians.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
