Princess Anne Officially Opens New East Cowes Seafront Space And UKSA Education Centre

Princess Anne was met with applause as she opened a new public seating area on an Isle of Wight seafront this morning (Monday, August 3).

Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal was the guest of honour at the official launch of the new public realm at Albany Green in East Cowes, unveiling plaques with a welcome from the town’s civic leaders.

She also attended the next door opening of the UKSA’s new education centre, Victoria Barracks.

Princess Anne arrived at the Wight Shipyard pontoon, before being shown the newly installed and refurbished Propeller on display from the Princess Margaret Hovercraft.

She was then escorted over to the entrance archway of Albany Green and introduced to Cllr Tracy Reardon, mayor of East Cowes and Cllr Karl Love, the town’s Isle of Wight councillor and deputy mayor.

Cllr Reardon briefed the Princess Royal on the works carried out at the public realm which celebrates the space’s heritage with new seating, plants, soft landscaping and a traditional ironmongery arch.

They then walked into the packed Amphitheatre where Princess Anne shook hands with local stakeholders and pulled an East Cowes Town Council marked covering from a special plaque to mark the day.

Gino Wooldridge, programme manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said:

“It was an absolute honour to welcome The Princess Royal to officially open Albany Green and celebrate the transformation of this important part of East Cowes Esplanade.

“This project has turned an underused area into an attractive and accessible public space that residents, visitors and local workers can enjoy throughout the year.

“The new seating, planting, landscaping and heritage features reflect the character and history of East Cowes, while creating a welcoming place to sit, meet and enjoy the spectacular views across the Solent.

”I also want to give my thanks to contractors ERMC and Crown Park for their efforts on this project.”

Catherine Dixon, CEO of UKSA, said the opening of Victoria Barracks is a ‘landmark moment’ for the charity and for the future of maritime education.

“This new centre significantly expands our ability to inspire and support children, young people and adults, helping them develop the skills, qualifications and confidence they need to thrive,” she said.