AFTER years of talks, work on the £10 million restructure of the Ryde transport hub has started today (Monday, April 4).
As part of a wider project to increase connectivity across Hampshire, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, £56 million government funding is also being used to open up the public space — with a redesigned bus station, walkway up the pier and improved train station.
The Isle of Wight Council approved the plans for the Ryde gateway in October last year and will see the popular public toilets at Western Gardens and Pier Cafe demolished.
- Ryde Pier transformation in £10 million Transport Hub project
- Islanders invited to help shape Ryde’s £10m transport interchange
What changes will be made at Ryde Esplanade Interchange?
- A new cycle route and walkway through the Esplanade.
- More signpost links between Ladies Walk to Puckpool.
- A boardwalk built on the tramway pier by Wightlink, scheduled to start later in spring.
- Refurbishment of the Esplanade Station, providing a direct connection from the concourse to the boardwalk, accessible public toilets and expanded retail and cafe units.
- The old toilet block and cafe will be demolished, and temporary toilets provided within Western Gardens until new facilities are installed as part of the station refurbishment.
- A new footway cycle route improvements between the Hovertravel footbridge and Dover Street, including improved pedestrian crossing facilities at the Dover Street/Esplanade Junctions, starting today (Monday).
The plans had been met with backlash from local businesses and residents who felt there was a lack of consultation on the initial plans.
Read more:
- Interchange plans met with resistance from businesses
- New road layout for Ryde Esplanade criticised but council disagrees
- "We cannot make everyone happy" says council boss over Ryde plans
- Council needs more time to consider Ryde Interchange feedback
- Minor changes, less parking more planting in controversial Ryde scheme
Work on the entire Interchange project has to be completed by April 2023.
Work starts today on the IW Council-led scheme to improve Ryde Transport Interchange. You can keep up to date with the work taking place by visiting https://t.co/BbFPhNLFlg #isleofwight #roadworks #highwayimprovements pic.twitter.com/0sk7ODNQ6e
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) April 4, 2022
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