Isle of Wight Council's transport levelling up bid

Announced today (Thursday) in cabinet papers, the Isle of Wight Council will bid for funds to complete the 'Island Green Link' — a sustainable transport network from the East to West Wight.

It will comprise three key parts:

• Ryde to Yarmouth Public Transport Corridor;
• West Wight Greenway;
• Newport Hub and Spokes scheme.

Work on the Ryde to Yarmouth corridor would include improving the bus infrastructure, with things like ramps, shelters and real-time information boards.

Small-scale mobility hubs along the route would allow passengers to switch modes of transport easily.

As part of the corridor bid, it will also revisit proposals to add an improved walkway or lift system over the railway line in Ryde to increase accessibility for Hovertravel customers.

The West Wight Greenway scheme has been in the pipeline for a couple of years now and would create a multi-use off-road track from Freshwater and Newport, using part of the old railway line.

• Read more: Cycle path comes before affordable housing in Wellow decision

The Newport Hub and Spokes scheme is proposed to extend and improve cycle routes, while creating new ones including along Taylor Road, Carisbrooke.

The council says, through the schemes, it would deliver greater connectivity to the Island's gateway and underline the Island's credentials as an environmentally sustainable destination.

It comes as part of the second round of Levelling Up funding, which sits at the heart of the government's plans to build back better after the Covid pandemic.

The Isle of Wight Council, with support from the Island's MP Bob Seely, received £5.8 million for the East Cowes Marina Hub project which is currently underway.

• Read more: Big plans as nearly £6 million in Levelling Up cash is confirmed
• Read more: "Much needed skilled employment and a kick-start to East Cowes's regeneration"
• Read more: "From a poor future...we’ve got a positive one, creating jobs and prosperity"

As the Island was previously successful, the authority is only able to bid for transport-related themes but up to £14 million is available.

The bid, which is seeking cabinet approval next Thursday, June 16, needs to be submitted to the government by July 6.

UPDATE, June 10: 

The Isle of Wight Council has announced cabinet will now take place on Monday, June 20 — not Thursday, 16.