Pedestrians in Ryde are set to benefit from a £700,000 funding injection aimed at creating a safer and more attractive town centre.
The funds, sourced from the Government’s Active Travel Fund, will be utilised to transform Ryde High Street into a more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.
In addition to enhancing safety, the project will also see the creation of new amenity areas, increased accessibility and an emphasis on the historic elements of the town centre.
High Street Heritage Action Zone
This scheme is a segment of the larger Ryde High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, spearheaded by a partnership between Ryde Town Council, the Isle of Wight council and Historic England.
The plans aim to revitalise the High Street through a series of actions including rationalising and upgrading street furniture, repaving, enhancing greenery, introducing new traffic-calming measures, and providing improved cycle parking.
Improvements to the Squares
The design also anticipates improvements to the Town Square and Minghella Square, creating additional space for events, activities, and seating.
Local cafes and shops are also set to benefit from the provision of outdoor seating and display areas.
Jordan: Scheme will enable full use and enjoyment of pedestrian zone
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, has expressed delight at the acquisition of the funding, highlighting its potential to improve a key area of Ryde.
He emphasises the project’s focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, whilst concurrently improving the aesthetic quality of the public realm.
A gateway at the northern end
he councillor also pointed out that the enhanced pedestrian zone will clearly be demarcated by a gateway feature at the northern end, and a controlled prevention and prohibition of vehicles along the length of the High Street.
He believes the scheme will facilitate better use and enjoyment of the High Street’s pedestrian zone, currently hindered by the existing vehicle access management.
Lucioni: Designed to address the concerns raised by our residents
Echoing Cllr Jordan’s sentiments, Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community safety, reiterated the council’s commitment to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of pedestrians on the High Street.
The scheme’s remit extends from the entrance to the High Street from Garfield Road in the north to the junction with Star Street in the south.
Interchange and Place Plan
It aligns with the ongoing investment in the new Ryde Interchange and pier on the seafront, providing continuity in Ryde’s overall regeneration strategy, encouraging healthier and greener modes of travel.
This strategy also aligns with the Ryde Place Plan, which facilitates cooperative working with local stakeholders to deliver sustainable regeneration, and offers potential funders a shared vision for change.
Jones-Evans: Well done to all involved
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, praised the council’s place planning approach and its success in attracting various funding streams to realise the vision for the town, building on earlier grants from Historic England and the Arts Council.
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