Major plans to redevelop an area of Isle of Wight seafront have been replaced with more minor ones — as it was deemed out of budget.
It follows a planning application submitted by ERMC, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, to rejuvenate Albany Green on East Cowes Esplanade.
In July last year, ward councillor Karl Love shared concept images of public space, which included a viewing platform built on a Southern Water pumping station, steps down to the sea, a viewing jetty and a cafe and exhibition space.
Now, the latest official plans from the authority have been scaled back, instead featuring an amphitheatre-style event space, gardens and re-opening the long-closed public toilets.
The Isle of Wight Council only had a budget of £600,000 it said to complete the works so certain aspects could not be included if others were.
For instance, if the viewing platform was preferred then the project under the promenade building could not go ahead.
The funding to redevelop the area comes from the £5.8 million Levelling Up Fund awarded by government to the Island and is one of three projects — which includes the Columbine building and the Victoria Barracks.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said the July plans were early concept drawings which were then adapted to form part of a public consultation to understand what local stakeholders wished to see.
They said the results of the consultation found the viewing platform wasn’t a priority if it was not accessible to all — which it couldn’t be within the budget available.
Instead, it was more favourable to make the area under the promenade building suitable for community use, as was including a toilet and possibly a kiosk.
They have been included in the new plans as well as improvements to the green area to help act as flood prevention measures.
In planning documents, ERMC says the area is run down and does not entice people to walk or dwell at East Cowes Esplanade.
By improving the area, it says it will draw people from further afield and provide improved facilities and the appearance of the area.
You can view the plans, 23/00257/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until March 24.
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