The smart glazed exterior of the new cafe unit at Ryde Interchange has been unveiled for the first time.
The removal of hoarding from the west side of the building, along with the installation of the structural steelwork for the new feature tower, mark important milestones for the project.
Works will now focus on finishing both the tower and paving the main station access before moving to the final roofing phase.
New travel office fitted out
Elsewhere, the new travel office has been fitted out — with Southern Vectis due to move in shortly — while more seating suitable for those with mobility impairments is planned for the bus station where passengers will soon benefit from real time travel information.
Parts of the building already completed include the refurbishment of the historic waiting room and the station concourse where the raising of the ceiling height has exposed historic architectural details previously hidden from view.
Jordan: Toilets will be opened shortly once the lease is finalised
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said,
“It’s great to see real progress continuing to be made at Ryde Interchange. This is an important gateway to Ryde and the Isle of Wight.
“I will be interested to see the feature tower at the main station access when the project is completed next month and hopefully opening of the cafe, where diners will enjoy spectacular views over the Solent, for the summer season.
“I am pleased the toilets will now be opened shortly once the lease is finalised with SWT and work is already being planned to improve the planting and greening throughout the Interchange area bringing the project to a conclusion in June as a fantastic advert for Ryde and the Island.”
Better travel connectivity
The Ryde Interchange Project seeks to provide better travel connectivity as well as much-improved public space for residents and visitors.
The project is primarily funded by government grant from the Transforming Cities Fund following a successful bid by the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council (together as South East Hampshire Rapid Transport) for £55.6m million.
Around £10 million of this has been awarded for the Ryde Interchange which is supplements with contributions from Wightlink, Southern Vectis, The Railway Heritage Trust and Isle of Wight Council.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed