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. 

Isle of Wight County Press: The toilet and cafe block to be demolished later this year.The toilet and cafe block to be demolished later this year.

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).

Isle of Wight County Press:

The plans had been met with backlash from local businesses and residents who felt there was a lack of consultation on the initial plans.

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Work on the entire Interchange project has to be completed by April 2023.

Isle of Wight County Press: Designs for the highways part of Ryde Interchange.Designs for the highways part of Ryde Interchange.