By IW Observer.co.uk
Ryde Harbour has been re-named as Ryde Marina, after Ryde Town Council finalised the takeover from Isle of Wight Council on April 1.
Michael Lilley, Mayor of Ryde, said: “When the opportunity to purchase Ryde Harbour was presented to councillors, we knew it was one that was too good to be ignored. Ryde Town Council is dedicated to improving the facilities of Ryde and this is a wonderful example of leading from the front. It is a huge project for us and one that we are very excited by.”
The newly re-named marina will be given a much-needed facelift. A new, temporary office has replaced the existing harbour office as a start to the works, which will also see new pontoons, electricity, WiFi, CCTV, a new website and booking system and refurbishment of the hospitality suite.
Lisa Dyer, Ryde Town Council clerk, said: “We, along with officers at the Isle of Wight Council, have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes over the last two years to make this vision a reality. It is a terrific demonstration of two organisations working in partnership to achieve a successful outcome.”
Ryde’s beachfront operations manager, Jake Babington, said: “This is an exciting time with so many positive changes happening this year. We hope that Ryde Marina will soon become a shining example of what can be achieved here by the sea. We have lots of improvement plans so why not pop down to the marina and ask us or see for yourself?”
More information on Ryde Marina can be found at rydetowncouncil.gov.uk or on their social media platforms.
Isle of Wight Observer 
Isle of Wight Observer