An artist’s impression of the new town square at the junction of High Street and John Street, Ryde.
RYDE should have its new town centre square in time for Christmas.
The area, with trees, seating and space for a Christmas tree, will be in John Street, at its junction with the High Street.
It, and other town centre improvements, are being carried out with the £190,000 of Tesco cash lodged with the Isle of Wight Council as part of the retail giant gaining planning approval for its new Ryde superstore. The money was provided as some compensation to Ryde for trade taken by the twice-as-big out-of-town store.
The new John Street area closes the street to evening through-traffic.
Mayor Cllr Brian Harris told Monday’s Ryde Town Council meeting: "We have just had a meeting with the Isle of Wight Council to look at the plans and we raised a couple of matters of design but it hopes to start the work on October 11 and for it to last six to eight weeks."
Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Edward Giles said: "Once finished, the town square will enhance the High Street and also provide an area for shoppers to sit down and enjoy their time.
"It will also stop the issue of cars using John Street to go into the High Street in the evenings.
"The designs have been drawn up in consultation with Ryde Business Association and Ryde Town Council as well as local councillors. All agree it will be a very welcome facility once built in time for Christmas this year."
Although a number parking spaces will be lost, plans are being finalising to create additional car parking spaces along Garfield Road.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk