THE REGENERATION team charged with making the most of the Isle of Wight's assets has met with developers in London.
The team attended Sitematch 2017 at the Shard last Wednesday, an event designed to bring together public sector landowners and private sector developers and investors.
Isle of Wight Council director of regeneration Chris Ashman said: "SiteMatch is a bit like 'speed-dating’ for regeneration.
"It was a chance for us to put the Isle of Wight ambitions on the map and to get people talking about some of the great opportunities that have already been identified.
"While we’re still at the very early stages of devising our regeneration plans, it’s important that we start to build contacts, leads and prospects that could help us in the future.
"Those attending were really receptive to a series of initial projects that we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks and months. It was good to gauge what’s happening within the markets and what potential developers are looking for at the moment. I am very excited to get things moving because we have a real chance to create something great on the Island; something that will enable a prosperous and economically stable future for the Isle of Wight."
Executive member for regeneration, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, said: "The opportunities for regeneration on the Isle of Wight are really exciting.
"The SiteMatch event was a chance for the team to start sharing our story with those who could support our plans in the future.
"It’s also been heartening that local, Island businesses have already come forward and are showing interest in the future of these key sites. I look forward to working with the team as they shape their plans to progress the council’s regeneration ambitions, which will secure future economic sustainability for the Island."
In December, the Isle of Wight Council executive approved a regeneration plan that identified 11 key sites, including the former Camp Hill prision, Newport Harbour, land at Stag Lane and Ryde Interchange.