Local residents, businesses and community groups are invited to attend the first in a series of drop-in sessions hosted by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board to learn more about the town’s ambitious new Ten-Year Vision.
The informal session will take place on Friday 6 March 2026 at the former NatWest foyer building, St Thomas’ Square, Ryde, with people welcome to drop in at any time between 2.30pm and 6pm.
The event offers an opportunity to find out more about the ambitious vision recently launched for Ryde. It is a long-term plan designed to make the town a better place to live, work and visit. Board members will be on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions, listen to feedback and discuss how local people can get involved in shaping the next steps.
The Ten-Year Vision has been developed by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board in partnership with the 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, bringing £19.5 million of investment to the town over the next decade to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen the local economy and enhance community facilities.
Proposals include a community grants programme, improvements to the town centre and seafront, support for local businesses, new sports and recreational opportunities, and bringing empty buildings back into public use. Plans also aim to create safer, more accessible public spaces, improve access along the Esplanade and beachfront, expand skills and training opportunities and deliver practical upgrades such as benches, signage, toilets and disabled access.
Steven Holbrook, Chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board, said: “This vision is about the future of our town and it has been shaped by what local people have told us matters most. 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.”
The drop-in session will feature display materials outlining these proposals and the broader vision, providing a clear picture of what the next ten years could look like for the town.
Whether you want to learn more, share your views, suggest ideas or simply meet members of the Board, everyone is encouraged to attend. No booking is required, simply drop in at a time to suit.
For those unable to attend in person, the Vision document (including audio version), community resources and information about how to ask questions, leave feedback and find out more can be found at: https://rydeneighbourhoodboard.org.uk/vision/
Further events that the community can get involved in will also be published in the coming weeks and months on the Board’s website and through other local communications.
