SIX key sites on the Isle of Wight have been primed for regeneration by the Isle of Wight Council.

The council launched its regeneration strategy last week which aims to create more jobs, build better housing and create a better quality of life for Island residents.

The strategy focuses on Camp Hill, Ryde gateway, Newport Harbour, Nicholson Road, Ryde, Sandham Middle School and the Shanklin Spa site.

Other improvements focus on Island Line and broadband connectivity.

The council will also assess the net gain of intervention, rather than disposal, when assessing the financial case of Sandown Town Hall, Ventnor Youth Club and library, redundant school sites and the Pier Street toilets.

An edge of town development will be built on the former Camp Hill prison site, reusing existing buildings

Newport harbour will be transformed into an ‘iconic’ waterside development, with space for leisure, tourism, retail and commercial space. The strategy estimates 200-300 residential units, as well as retail and leisure facilities could be built on the brownfield land.

The Ryde interchange and Esplanade will be redeveloped to create a new gateway into the Island.

Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, regarding Nicholson Road, Stuart Hutchinson said: “No, we’re not going to build blocks of flats that spoil everyone’s view. Certainly we need to make sure it’s a vibrant and lively seafront as it’s the biggest seafront on the Island.

“We have put proposals forward we think are going to be unacceptable, but it’s not until you put them forward that you know how unacceptable.”

He said people’s views would be taken into account.

Nicholson Road will feature a £2 million commercial and retail development, extending the existing business park. The emphasis will be placed on using the site for employment purposes. It requires investment in basic infrastructure, such as roads and utility connections, as well as improvements to existing hedgerows and footpaths.

Regarding Nicholson Road, Cllr Hutchinson said: “It’s at an early stage but we have already committed money to put the site into the right state of preparation for developers.”

The Sandham Middle School site will be developed into an extra care housing development.

Shanklin Spa will be redeveloped to create luxury homes and a holiday apartment complex, with an opportunity to reinstate the spa facilities and link to the cliff lift.

Speaking at the launch of the regeneration strategy, regeneration director Chris Ashman said: “Change is needed.

“With this strategy we have taken the time to get it right.”

Cllr Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council said: “In this second year of the regeneration programme, we are determined to achieve results that benefit the wider economy and community and not just our bank balance.

“One of the key points to come out so far from the council’s ‘Wight We Want’ Island conversation process is a clear message that regeneration on the Island is not about polishing the family silver and putting it on the market.

“It’s important to see our Island through other people’s eyes, and remember what the gateways look like.”

The full strategy can be viewed online.