Overview of scheme

The project aims to increase connectivity for travellers at the gateway to Ryde while at the same time making the area around the bus interchange, pier and Esplanade Rail Station a better and safer place for people to visit and enjoy as a destination in itself.

The project will reinstate the old tramway pier between the historic and heavy rail piers to provide a new boardwalk. There will also be major changes to Ryde Esplanade railway station including the refurbishment of the terminal building to create safe access through the station, away from traffic, to the boardwalk, new fully accessible toilets and remodelled, expanded concessions with views down the Solent to the west. This will rationalise those facilities within the station building allowing the demolition of the public toilet and café block improving views of the historic pier.

The bus terminal will be re-modelled to provide a safer environment for bus users/pedestrians with more public amenity space and improved pedestrian crossings. A new road layout will also allow buses to emerge from the bus terminal and head straight up George Street, as opposed to the current arrangement where they have to use the roundabout at the end of the Esplanade to access the same route. This will help reduce emissions and improve bus timetables for the benefit of passengers.

The project will also provide continuity in the cycle route and walkway through the area linking Ladies Walk to the west and Puckpool to the east, segregating those in the busiest area immediately to the east of the bus interchange whilst enhancing the public realm.

Additional trees and shrubs will be planted, there will also be additional public seating as well as more space that can be safely accessed by the public. There will also be enhanced pedestrian crossing facilities and the area will be opened up to improve views of the historic pier.

Progress

Last summer the council sought community feedback on the key elements of the scheme which define the look and feel of the area, including landscaping and planting, bus carriageway surfacing, kerbing, pedestrian paving and seating. More than 300 people completed a detailed online survey with many more submitting written responses.

The council’s Cabinet supported the scheme in October 2021 and work is scheduled to be undertaken during 2022/23.