Ryde Town Council have agreed in principle to purchase the NatWest Building in Ryde as the next stage in developing a strategy for the Council to lead on projects that will continue to benefit the town.
Mayor Richard May says,
“The NatWest building offers an opportunity to put the community right at the heart of Ryde. By purchasing the building, Ryde Town Council will be able to provide the type of Community Hub that residents deserve – something that the current rented offices in Lind Street do not allow.
The current council chambers in Lind Street have provided excellent office space for Ryde Town Council, but the aspirations of our councillors are to be right at the centre of the development of Ryde for residents, businesses and visitors meaning that a more suitable, accessible home would be of enormous benefit.”
A prudent move
Councils up and down the country own and manage their own property as an asset for their town and it is prudent for Ryde Town Council to do the same rather than continuing to rent office space. Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council have led the way by moving directly onto their High Street and the residents of Ryde should be able to enjoy the same benefits.
Accessibility is a crucial factor for Ryde Town Council and a move to a more accessible, inclusive environment where everybody can be welcomed safely and easily is seen to be of paramount importance.
What to expect
Designs for the building are yet to be finalised. However, it is expected that the building will feature:
- A new accessible set of offices for Ryde Town Council.
- Fully functional Town Centre toilets including accessible options.
- Fully equipped meeting rooms of various sizes for community groups as well as other organisations.
- Rentable interview rooms.
- A genuine hub for Ryde’s community groups including display space.
- Community information centre.
- Potential event space.
An exciting time for Ryde
More than ever, this is an exciting time for Ryde and there are a huge number of exciting projects within the town, both current and to come. The NatWest building can provide the perfect Community Hub for Ryde Town Council to ensure that these projects thrive by bringing people together in a central, fully accessible location at the heart of the community.
The purchase price has been agreed at £426,000.
Subject to structural survey
As with any building the purchase is subject to a successful structural survey which is set to be carried out Friday 12th January.
The purchase is to be funded through the Public Works Loan Board which allows Town and Parish Councils to borrow money for appropriate assets at preferential rates.
Dyer: A necessary move that will have genuine benefits for the community
Ryde Town Clerk Lisa Dyer says,
“With the Government announcing £20 million of Town Board Funding for Ryde, it is envisaged that the majority – if not all – of the project will be funded through this investment.
“However, it is vital to note that this is an important step for both Ryde Town Council and the town of Ryde in and of itself.
“The Council believes that this is a necessary, prudent move that will have genuine benefits for the community.”
Have your say
Consultation about the purchase is currently being held and Ryde residents are invited to complete an online questionnaire or a hard copy of the form which can be found at Ryde Library. The consultation will continue until Saturday 10th February 2024.
To view the proposed plans and current images of Natwest Bank please visit our website: Former NatWest Bank Building Purchase Consultation.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of Ryde Town Council. Ed
