These proposed plans would be a major transformation for East Cowes, Isle of Wight

1. Solent GatewaysImproving Connectivity between Southampton and the Isle of Wight

2. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Background
This document sets out initial concepts designed to complete the Masterplan agreed for
East Cowes in 2007, following extensive consultation. In 2010 some minor amendments
were agreed and a Design Code adopted.
Elements of the Masterplan delivered to date are:
- Highways improvement Works to Link Road, Ferry Road, widening of Castle Street
junction and pedestrian crossing on Well Road
- Supermarket (Waitrose), and ?? square
- Health Centre
- Energy Centre
- Outer Harbour wall (in progress)
- Housing schemes at Marsefield Road
A range of planning consents for further schemes are in place.
In 2013 Isle of Wight Council joined forces with Southampton to make a submission to
the newly created Solent LEP, to fund a cross-authority project that would improve the
public areas around the two Red Funnel interchanges, in turn helping bring forward
stalled regeneration schemes on each side of the Solent. This project is one of three
elements in the package, the other being the provision of a new Floating Bridge between
Cowes and East Cowes, and access to the re-positioned terminal at Trafalgar Dock.
In January 2014 the Solent LEP published its Strategic Economic Plan which included
the Red Funnel Interchanges scheme as part a package of measures designed to boost
growth and jobs in the region. The two authorities were invited to submit a WebTAG
compliant Business Case by December 2014 to secure the funds.
Governance
A Project Board meet monthly to progress the project, with representation from
Southampton City Council, IoW Council, Red Funnel, Associated British Ports, RPW Ltd,
and HCA. A Steering Group with senior politicians and officers from both authorities
meets quarterly.
Scheme Objectives
General
To complete the Masterplan, the public realm design must:
- Accommodate the Red Funnel marshalling yard
- Provide for a high quality transport interchange
- Ensure the integrity/cohesion of the town centre is improved
- Be of high quality in materials and improve the environment
- Enhance the place as a ‘gateway to the island’
Set out a cohesive waterfront
- Accommodate a mixed balance of land uses
Transport
- Traffic model to show layout works including ferry discharge period
- Layout re-unites the town centre with strong pedestrian links throughout inc. to the
waterfront
- Provides quality access for all modes including peds, cycles, buses, & taxis
- Access must be maintained to the public slipway and Trinity House depot
- Provision of enough parking
- Smooth passage for buses
- Site management plan needed to demonstrate method of dealing with back-up of
ferry traffic onto the highway
- Mitigation of potential conflict of ferry and Waitrose traffic
- Consider impact on Quality in the Town Centre

3. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Previous Permissions & Studies
Masterplan approved 2007 East Cowes Heritage Society Development
Strategy Plan. June 2014
BBLP Proposed Public Realm. October
2014

4. Potential to improve
esplande with views
overlooking the River
Medina
Views overlooking
River Medina
Potential public space
for footpassengers of
Chain Ferry
Improvements to
central square/junc-
tion
Narrowed junction
Potential Public Realm improvements
Potential to enhance views of the River
Medina
Key pedestrian links of village core
Start of East Cowes Esplandade
Key:
Arrival to East Cowes
potential improve-
ments
Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Existing Conditions
View from the ferry to East Cowes upon
arrival
York Ave/ Ferry Rd Junction
Chain Ferry loading
Connection conditions from arrival to
Waitrose
Dover Road- Poor quality public realm
& links
Town centre public realm
Castle St active frontage
Start of the Esplanade
1
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

5. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Proposed Movement & Access
Scale 1:2000 @A3
Key:
Taxi Collection
Taxi Routes
Pick Up/ Drop Off
Ferry Access Routes
Servicing
Bus Route
Bus Stop
Existing Waterfront Access
Potential Waterfron Access
Ferry & Floating Bridge
Replacment Ferry
Public Slip Way
Potential Replacment Slipway
Rhyde Boat Club Launch Jetty
Alternative
access Route to
Development Site

6. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Proposed Private Vehicle routes & Parking
Scale 1:2000 @A3
Key:
Public Parking
Private Parking
Temporary Parking
Private Vehicle Routes-
Two Way
Private Vehicle Routes-
One Way

7. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Proposed Ped Movement & Wayfinding
Scale 1:2000 @A3
Key:
Pedestrian Routes
Wayfinding Locations

8. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Masterplan
East Cowes Pan
NTS
Bridge Square
Trinity Wharf
Red Funnel
Loading Terminal
York Square
Castle St
Improvements
1
1
5
2
2
5
3
3
4
4
Venture
Quays
Waitrose

9. Scale 1:500 @A3
Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Bridge Square Proposals
Bridge Square Concept:
Bridge Square is a key arrival point from West Cowes
creating an enhanced pedestrian link to Castle Road and
York Square. The design offers views at high level over the
River Medina and the chain ferry to West Cowes.

10. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Bridge Square Concept Visual

11. Scale 1:500 @A3
Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
York Square Proposals
Concept:
York Square is the one of the main hubs in East Cowes
connecting the chain ferry, Waitrose town square, Trinity
wharf & Castle Street to the Town Hall.
The design provides further opportunities for cafe spill out
as well as creating a high quality pedestrian focused space.
Further design development will explore the intervention of
a series of art elements in the ground surface.

12. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
York Square Concept Visual

13. Scale 1:500 @A3
Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Trinity Wharf Proposals
Concept:
Trinity Wharf, part of the new mix used development, provides an
enhanced link between the Red Funnel terminal and town centre.
A material palette of natural stone and timber relate to the edge
of water location. A series of bespoke items of furniture would
see seating wrapping up out of the ground surface to create a
distinctive space overlooking the water.
A series of public art interventions drawing on the industrial
heritage adds a further level of detail and interest.

14. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Trinity Wharf Concept Visual

15. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Material Palette
Resin Bound Gravel
Coloured Asphalt
Timber
Corten Steel
Purbeck

16. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Feature Lighting

17. Solent Gateways Improving Connectivity Between Southampton and the Isle of Wight
Indicative Phasing Plan
SHELTER
EX
IT
servecie
sonly
EXIT
WAITROSE
entrance
0m 50m 100m25m 75m
Cars
HGV's
Coaches