Drop-In Event To Showcase Ryde’s Ambitious 10-Year Vision

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to attend the first in a series of drop-in sessions to learn more about Ryde’s new Ten-Year Vision.

The informal event, hosted by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board, will take place on Friday 6th March 2026 at the former NatWest foyer building in St Thomas’ Square, Ryde.

People can call in at any time between 2.30pm and 6pm.

The session will give attendees the chance to find out more about the long-term plan, which aims to make Ryde a better place to live, work and visit over the next decade.

Board members will be on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions, listen to feedback and discuss how local people can help shape the next phase of the project.

£19.5 Million Investment

The Ten-Year Vision has been developed by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board in partnership with Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council, following extensive engagement with residents, businesses and community organisations.

Ryde has been selected for the Government’s Pride in Place programme, securing £19.5 million of investment over the next ten years.

The funding is aimed at improving health and wellbeing, strengthening the local economy and enhancing community facilities.

Proposals include:

• A community grants programme

• Improvements to the town centre and seafront

• Support for local businesses

• New sports and recreational opportunities

• Bringing empty buildings back into public use

Plans also focus on creating safer, more accessible public spaces, improving access along the Esplanade and beachfront, expanding skills and training opportunities, and delivering practical upgrades such as benches, signage, toilets and disabled access.

‘The Future Of Our Town’

Steven Holbrook, Chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board, said the vision has been shaped by what local people said matters most.

“This vision is about the future of our town and it has been shaped by what local people have told us matters most,” he said.

“I would really encourage residents, businesses and community groups to drop in on 6 March, find out more about what’s being proposed and share their ideas.

“The more voices we hear, the stronger this vision will be as we move into the delivery phase.”

Display materials outlining the proposals and the broader strategy will be available on the day, giving residents a clear picture of what the next ten years could look like for Ryde.

No booking is required — those interested can simply drop in at a time that suits them.

For anyone unable to attend, the full Vision document — including an audio version — along with community resources and details on how to provide feedback, can be found on the Ryde Neighbourhood Board’s website.

Further community events are set to be announced in the coming weeks.