Ryde regeneration: developing Ryde Pier and investing in Island Line: Transport companies discuss plans at recent Regeneration Conference
Wightlink is working with businesses to develop Ryde Pier as “a destination in its own right”. Consultation around expanding the pier’s offer is currently taking place with partners including South Western Railway, the IW Steam Railway and the Mary Rose Museum.
“We see Ryde Pier as the gateway to the Island,” said Clive Tilley, Wightlink’s commercial director, speaking to Island Business. “It sets first and last impressions for 600,000 people each year. Weston-super-mare and Hastings are great examples of where piers have been rejuvenated. We’d like to see a restaurant at the end of the pier, and then in time maybe a hotel and some residential accommodation. We’ve looked at a harbour with mooring facilities and we’d like to develop that too because we know that lots of people like to arrive by boat.
“We want to work with businesses and residents to get it right. There’s a stakeholder group in place already, ahead of more consultation. We’re very excited. It’s the oldest working pier in the country and the second longest. We want the pier to be more than a transport connection and become a destination in its own right.”
The future of Island Line was also discussed at the Regeneration Conference, organised by Isle of Wight Council and held at the Lakeside Park Hotel.
Phil Dominey from South Western Railway told delegates how he wanted to “change the language around the way people talk about Island Line”, highlighting the strategic importance of the rail service.
“Island Line is a real asset for the Island itself and the whole Solent economy,” Phil told Island Business. “It’s an important part of our network and we’ve worked with the council and stakeholders to develop proposals for the Department for Transport.
“We’re working hard, with positivity and forward-thinking to improve the experience for our passengers. We’re not just trying to ‘make-do’ but actually looking at how we can move forward and really get Island Line recognized as the positive asset that it is, rather than just being a problem, which it isn’t.
“Island Line has an important role as a part of the whole holiday experience. Thirty percent of the Island’s bed stock is along the Island Line corridor between Ryde and Shanklin. We want to improve that overall experience and get more people to use sustainable transport to come to the Island as well as to travel around it.”
