Improvements to Newport High Street move forward

Traffic orders that will pave the way for plans to revitalise and enhance Newport High Street were approved by senior Isle of Wight councillors last night (Thursday).

The Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone improvement scheme aims to attract more shoppers into the town centre by making the area more pedestrian-friendly.

The aim is to improve the look and feel of the High Street between St James' Square and Holyrood Street while making it easier and safer for people to move around on foot or bicycle.

Changes would include widening the pavement to provide more space for pedestrians and enhancing the appearance of the area with new paving, planting and seating. 

The scheme requires some changes to the parking arrangements in the area and therefore new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to make those changes lawful and enforceable are needed.

While some on-street parking will be lost under the plans, alternative parking is available close-by.

This includes almost 250 spaces at Sea Street, Lugley Street and Chapel Street/New Street where shoppers and visitors wishing to park for up to one hour can park for free.

The TROs have already been out to public consultation with the Isle of Wight Council receiving 32 representations in favour of the changes and 26 against.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight cabinet member for transport and infrastructure said: “The evidence from schemes on the Island and on the mainland is that when the pedestrian environment is improved, there is an increased footfall in nearby shops.

"The majority of those taking part in the consultation are in favour of the council making the proposed enhancements and we now have an opportunity to work with our partners to further improve Newport town centre.”

Chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Andrew Garratt, said: “Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council is keen to see improvements in Newport town centre that make it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, and to allow everyone to enjoy the town’s heritage.

“These proposals will provide more space for pedestrians to sit and to move around safely. Fewer obstacles will mean better accessibility. And more planting will provide a pleasant environment for all against a backdrop of our many listed buildings and monuments.

“Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council is keen that our investment along with others in the Heritage Action Zone is just a start point and so we look forward to working with our partners on achieving further improvements.”

The High Street Heritage Action Zone is funded by Historic England, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

The partnership was created to deliver a programme of activity to improve the condition of the conservation area and regenerate the town centre.

An extensive programme of engagement has taken place throughout the development of the project, as well as a formal public consultation on the scheme.

This engagement has led to some design changes to respond to feedback, including enhanced provision of parking for disabled people.