Beta site under development
A new look, feel and function for Ryde Esplanade Station and Ryde Pier
The Ryde Transport Interchange Project is set to reorganise, modernise and better integrate the Ryde Bus Station, Esplanade Train Station and Ryde Pier public transport connections.
Funded primarily by a government grant from the Transforming Cities Fund; around £10 million of funding has been awarded for the Ryde Transport Interchange improvements – with notable infrastructure and image improvements for the island.
At the dry end of the pier, The Esplanade Transport Hub is being reorganised to provide better pedestrian access, with more natural planting and a more welcoming environment. The bus station will also see a significant reconfiguration, so buses will be able to leave directly to George Street rather than having to turn around at the Dover Street roundabout.
The Esplanade will also see a new dedicated cycle route and walkway that runs through the new transport hub; linking Ladies Walk to the west of the esplanade with Puckpool to the east. New street furniture and green planting throughout the Esplanade area will help to rejuvenate and add colour to the space.
The Esplanade Hub will also feature new accessible public toilets and an expanded area of retail and café shops for residents and visitors.
Wightlink are also making a significant investment as part of the project; with the creation of a pedestrian boardwalk to be built on top of the old tramway that runs out to the Pier Head. The project will create a dedicated footway for anyone using the pier; allowing pedestrians to stay separate from cars and bicycles, and so providing a safer more convenient route for travel to and from the Wightlink Fast Cat.
The tramway pier – which sits between the main pier and train line – was built in 1864 for horse-drawn trams to take ferry passengers to the Esplanade. In the following decades, steam, electric and diesel-powered trams were used; but the tramway has been closed since 1969. This rejuvenation project will re-open this important historic structure to the public again.
Ryde Pier's construction dates to 1814, and the existing Victorian cast iron piles are being retained. New joists are being used, made from greenheart timber; these joists will rest upon 235 bespoke steel I-beams. Shelters and seats are being built along this new walkway, to offer beautiful views out across the Solent.
The multi-million pound improvements under the Ryde Transport Interchange project will be a significant infrastructure upgrade to both the Esplanade Hub and Ryde Pier; with the overall aim of improving connectivity between Portsmouth and Ryde, and giving commuters and holiday-goers a smoother, more convenient journey.
