ISLANDERS are being asked to help shape key elements of a multi-million-pound project to improve Ryde Transport Interchange in a consultation launched today (Tuesday).

As part of the project, facilities and connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians, bus and rail users as well as Wightlink FastCat passengers are all to be improved, with the transport hub reorganised to provide additional areas of public use.

The scheme is supported by a government grant from the Transforming Cities Fund.

It follows a successful bid by the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council – together as South East Hampshire Rapid Transport (SEHRT) – for £55.6m million, £10 million of which is earmarked for Ryde Transport Interchange.

It is hoped work on the project can start in early 2022 and be completed in Spring 2023.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde transport hub overview.Ryde transport hub overview.

The council is now holding a consultation to share the details of the plans and seeking feedback from the community on elements which define the look and feel of the area,

This includes:

  1. Landscaping and planting
  2. Bus carriageway surfacing
  3. Kerbing
  4. Pedestrian paving
  5. Seating.

The council is also interested in receiving feedback on other key features which could be incorporated into the public space while respecting the local heritage, wider natural environment and conservation area status.

The survey runs until August 3 and can be accessed online at www.iow.gov.uk/rydeinterchange

A consultation document explaining more about the scheme can be found at the same link. Paper copies of both the survey and consultation document are available from PFI@iow.gov.uk.

Complementary improvements are also being made by Southern Vectis, Wightlink and South Western Railway who are all partners in the project.

Isle of Wight County Press: Proposed accessibility Improvements for Ryde.Proposed accessibility Improvements for Ryde.

The development will transform the old tramway along Ryde Pier into a new pedestrian and cycle boardwalk.

Read more about the Ryde Pier tramway here.

There will also be improvements to Ryde Esplanade railway station, including the refurbishment of the terminal building to create fully accessible toilets, expanded concessions and access to the boardwalk.

The bus terminal will be remodelled to provide a safer environment for bus users/pedestrians with more public amenity space.

A new road layout will allow buses to emerge from the bus terminal and head straight up George Street, as opposed to the current arrangement where they use the roundabout at the end of the Esplanade.

The project will create a dedicated cycle route and walkway through the area linking Ladies Walk to the west and Puckpool to the east, providing more areas of public use with new street furniture.

Additional trees and shrubs will be planted, extra public seating made available and more space safely accessible to the public.

There will also be enhanced pedestrian crossing facilities and the area will be opened up to improve views of the historic pier.

Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “It is fantastic news that SEHRT has secured investment on a scheme to improve the interchange and wider Esplanade.

“This public consultation will play a big role in shaping the ongoing dialogue we are having with local stakeholder groups and help us finalise a scheme."

The council will continue to seek the input of key groups like Ryde Town Council, Ryde Regeneration Group and Ryde Business Association to ensure they have an opportunity to input their views as local representatives.

The findings of the consultation will inform a decision on the way forward.