ANOTHER hint of what could be in store for East Cowes seafront has been unveiled.

The town is on the up after the Isle of Wight Council was successful in securing £5.8 million as part of the government's levelling up fund.

The public was asked last year what they would like to see included in the plans and ideas have now been fed back to East Cowes Town Council by architectural consultants ERMC.

A plan to rejuvenate Albany Green has been produced to make use of the currently dead space.

Isle of Wight County Press: The current Albany Green with the closed public toilets and Southern Water pumping station. Picture by Google Maps.The current Albany Green with the closed public toilets and Southern Water pumping station. Picture by Google Maps.

ERMC says the Albany Green seafront project will act as a focal point for activity and a catalyst for future enhancements.

A viewing platform — built on the Southern Water pumping station and now closed public toilets — cafe and exhibition space, a public pontoon and a viewing jetty have all been suggested in the designs.

Isle of Wight County Press: Plans for Albany Green. Picture by ERMC.Plans for Albany Green. Picture by ERMC.

Isle of Wight County Press:

East Cowes Cllr Karl Love said the early concept drawings needed development and were a big opportunity for the people of East Cowes moving forward.

He said: "Unlike many past regeneration plans our town has seen, this one has some legs, not least because there is funding identified."

Isle of Wight County Press: Picture by ERMC.Picture by ERMC.

Cllr Love said there was a long way to go but it was a start and there will be further discussions with residents in the coming months.

Isle of Wight County Press: Plans for the viewing platform and public area space. Picture by ERMC.Plans for the viewing platform and public area space. Picture by ERMC.

Apart from these plans, there were two schemes, proposed by Savills for the Isle of Wight Council, both allowing for a mix of new homes and employment space.

The first incorporates a hub for marine-based jobs and innovation space around the seafront, and proposes visitor facilities around Trinity Wharf and Phoenix Yard, with a mix of employment and hotel space, with more food and drink areas.

The second scenario adds training space and hostel accommodation around the Esplanade with employment moved to Trinity Wharf and Phoenix Yard but with some flexibility still to allow for a hotel.