£19.5m Investment Plan Unveiled To Transform Ryde Over Next Decade

A bold new vision to improve Ryde town centre, support local businesses and bring empty buildings back into public use has been unveiled by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board.

The plans — developed alongside the Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council — aim to make Ryde a better place to live, work and visit, following engagement with residents, community groups and businesses.

Ryde has been selected as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will see £5 billion invested across towns nationwide.

Ryde is set to receive £19.5 million over ten years, subject to Government approval.

The funding is intended to tackle issues including health inequalities, anti-social behaviour and skills gaps, while boosting the local economy and improving community facilities.

Proposals include refreshing the town centre and seafront, improving access to jobs and training, enhancing green spaces, and addressing health and wellbeing inequalities.

Early ideas feature safer public spaces, better access along the Esplanade, skills and training opportunities, bringing Ryde Town Hall back into use, improved toilets and seating, enhanced security, better beachfront access, upgraded sports facilities, and small grants for community-led projects.

Targeted support for young people and older residents is also planned.

Chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board, Steven Holbrook, said:

“This vision has been shaped by what people in Ryde have told us they want to see. It’s about practical improvements that make a real difference to everyday life in our town.

“It gives us a strong starting point to bring investment into Ryde and work with the community to turn ideas into action.”

The vision was submitted to Government at the end of last year, with the first round of funding potentially available from April.

Residents will be invited to attend drop-in sessions from March onwards to find out more and help shape the next stages of the ten-year project.