A community grants programme, better town centre facilities, support for Ryde businesses, a skateboard park and bringing prominent empty buildings – including the old town hall – back into public use are included in a bold new vision announced today by Ryde Neighbourhood Board.
The vision has been developed by the Ryde Neighbourhood Board in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council, following engagement with local residents, community groups and businesses. Its focus is simple: making Ryde a better place to live, work and visit.
Ryde has been selected as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will invest £5 billion across 244 towns nationally, with Ryde receiving £19.5 million over a ten-year period. The programme aims to improve health and wellbeing, reduce anti-social behaviour, support local economies and give communities a stronger voice over our local priorities.
Ryde’s inclusion reflects both the challenges the town faces – including deprivation, skills gaps and health inequalities – and the opportunities it has to enable long-term growth with this targeted investment.
The vision sets out plans to refresh and invest in the town centre and seafront, improve access to jobs and training, enhance community facilities and green spaces, and tackle health and wellbeing inequalities over the coming decade.
Early ideas already include:
- Safer and more accessible public spaces
- Improved access around the town and along the Esplanade
- Skills and training opportunities for local people
- Bringing Ryde Town Hall back into public use
- Public realm improvements such as benches, toilets, signage and disabled access
- Enhanced safety and security measures
- Better access to the beachfront
- Targeted support for young people and older residents
- Small grants to support community-led projects
- Improved sports and recreational facilities
The vision was submitted to Government at the end of last year. Subject to approval, the first round of funding could be released from April this year.
Steven Holbrook, Chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board, 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 will continue to evolve as more local ideas come forward.”
The Ryde Neighbourhood Board plans to hold a series of drop-in sessions from March onwards, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the vision and get involved in shaping the next steps in our ten-year project.
The full vision document and an Easy Read summary can be found on our website here
