By Isle of Wight Observer
Changes are planned at Newport Harbour, and the Isle of Wight Council is setting out ideas for the future of this key part of the Island’s historic county town.
Following public consultations in 2017 and 2018, more plans are being created to transform Newport Harbour and surrounds into a lively, well-designed and sustainable mixed-use location, close to Newport town centre and sympathetic to the harbour’s character and activities.
Options up for discussion include creating jobs and employment opportunities; temporary and permanent activities to increase visitor numbers by land and boat; a harbour loop with a possible pedestrian and cycle bridge; and well-designed, mixed tenure (including affordable) new homes.
The plans will depend on the feedback given by Newport residents and businesses, and there is an initial opportunity to find out more about the plans this Saturday.
Join the Isle of Wight Council’s Newport Masterplan team from 8.30am until 12 noon on Saturday 16 March, underneath Medina Theatre.
The Shaping Newport project will be there too to discuss issues across Newport.
There will be further consultation events coming up in April and May.
The Isle of Wight Council’s assistant director of regeneration, Reniera O’Donnell, said: “A masterplan is a way to paint a picture of how the land will be used for the future.
“It’s not a final blueprint for every detail but the plan will show what’s possible and what isn’t.
“So, for example, we hope to identify types of development, potential new businesses, types of housing, how paths will be laid out, the approach to pedestrian and vehicle movement, greenspace, access to the water, the historic environment – the whole way we envisage the future layout of Newport Harbour.
“And following on from the awesome designs at last year’s Young Designers Awards, maybe even a new bridge across the estuary!
“With the help of Newport residents and our Shaping Newport partners, the masterplan will create a story around our hopes and wishes for the harbour, so we can get the right people to come and invest in making it come to life.”
