Vision for East Cowes

Vision for East Cowes A better East Cowes for now and the future The East Cowes Regeneration project is a major regeneration scheme on the Isle of Wight. It will create a vibrant community with a long-term sustainable future, a revitalised town centre and waterfront, and increased employment opportunities within the marine, retail and leisure sectors. All key organisations are now working together to deliver the regeneration of the town. The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP), working in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council, Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and Red Funnel, and other landowners and developers, is seeking to deliver a strategy to bring about a transformation of the Southampton/ East Cowes ferry route allied to major redevelopment on each side of the Solent. The East Cowes project is a major regeneration scheme. It will create a vibrant community with a long-term sustainable future, a revitalised town centre and waterfront, and increased employment opportunities within the marine, retail and leisure sectors. Vision Statement. Appendix A Summary of East Cowes Masterplan planning application 2006. Concept scenario of East Cowes waterfront Red Funnel proposals In tandem with the Solent Gateways initiative by the Solent LEP, Red Funnel is seeking to improve its facilities and help deliver redevelopment along the waterfront at Trinity Wharf and also on the existing marshalling yard adjoining Link Road. Below: Concept scenario of East Cowes waterfront and pedestrian friendly street, linking town to water Opportunities Development shall be brought forward in accordance with the following development principles: Providing capacity to safeguard the economic growth of the Island Creating a new waterfront opportunity for East Cowes A strong destination with a mix of activities Regeneration of East Cowes town centre Improved sense of arrival with an improved Red Funnel facility Separating Port from Town Viable and sustainable change Improved quality of townscape Access to job opportunities An improved gateway to Cowes and the Isle of Wight A workable solution for East Cowes 1

What is it all about? Reason for consultation Red Funnel, in association with Isle of Wight Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, has employed consultants led by Savills to masterplan the opportunities for regeneration and development of East Cowes, to help deliver the new ferry facilities and new town centre and waterfront development. We would like to involve the local community and businesses in shaping these proposals prior to submitting a planning application later in the year. So far we have been carrying out technical assessments on site and have produced emerging sketch masterplan scenarios. This is an important stage of the process and we are here to listen. You can help us by doing one or more of the following: Look at the display boards and give us your views on the issues and ideas Discuss your ideas with members of the team Fill out a comment sheet and either place it in the comments box or post it to us You can also look at the exhibition material and complete an on line survey by visiting: www.eastcowesregeneration.co.uk The Red Funnel planning application Red Funnel is proposing to submit a new planning application that helps to deliver many of the principles found within the 2007 masterplan. The new proposal now coming forward has two parts: A detailed planning application for the new single marshalling yard adjoining the waterfront An outline planning application for the redevelopment of Trinity Yard and Trinity Wharf waterfront, and the redevelopment of the current marshalling yard as Phoenix Yard (adjoining Link Road) Key potential outputs: The Red Funnel planning application is able to include a number of opportunities: Opportunity for up to a 60 bed hotel Cafe bar/ restaurant Small offices/ commercial services Small scale retail Office/ research employment space, including potential for marine light industry (subject to options) Mix of up to 140 new homes, including apartments over other uses and town houses on Phoenix Yard (Link Road) Single area for Red Funnel marshalling yard New Red Funnel terminal building Recent workshops to examine ideas for East Cowes The story so far The Isle of Wight Council and Homes and Communities Agency have identified the need for the regeneration of East Cowes. A masterplan for the area was approved as part of an outline planning application in 2007. This helped to identify the vision for the future of East Cowes and set out some principles. The key objective of the masterplan was to help deliver new facilities and investment into the area, including infrastructure, retail, new homes, employment and waterfront access. The town has already seen considerable change, including 180 new homes (with 30% affordable), a new medical centre and the introduction of the Waitrose supermarket and associated town car park. Planning permission has also been granted for a new marina and associated development. Solent Gateways The Red Funnel proposals will complement the wider regeneration initiative of East Cowes, including the initiative by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP). Funding is now being obtained via the Solent LEP to: carry out local street and junction works to help manage traffic; improve the quality of the environment, including streets and spaces, and deliver a new floating bridge Note: Two boards at today s exhibition help to explain how the LEP will help to deliver these improvements and the Solent Gateways Project. These are NOT part of the Red Funnel planning application. Your Views We would like your views as ideas for the masterplan is designed. The intention is to submit an outline planning application by August 2015. Further consultation will be carried out before it is submitted. 2

Solent Gateway Solent Local Enterprise Partnership In January 2014 the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP) published its Strategic Economic Plan, which included the Red Funnel Interchanges Scheme, as part of a package of measures designed to boost growth and jobs in the region. The two authorities, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, are now working to submit a full business case for 15 million of funding from the SLEP. The business case will be delivered in June 2015, and the SLEP has indicated it will make a final decision on allocating the funds in July 2015. The completion of the stalled East Cowes Masterplan is one of three elements in the package, the others being the provision of a new floating bridge between Cowes and East Cowes, and access to the re-positioned Red Funnel terminal at Trafalgar Dock in Southampton. Transport modelling You can view an animation of the transport model at this exhibition. This is based on the following assumption: Up to 450 vehicle space modified ferry marshalling yard (up to 420 spaces proposed) 30 vehicle space floating bridge Modified highway and land uses Forecast up to 2026 Ferry access and exit via Well Road Five options have been reviewed for boat occupancy from average winter/ summer peak hour usage to full ferry Scheme objectives To complete the Masterplan, the public realm design must: Accommodate the Red Funnel marshalling yard Provide for good 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 and movement Solent Gateways and Isle of Wight Council have commissioned consultants to undertaken traffic modelling and options testing for the proposed road layout, including the new marshalling yard. The previous transport model was created in 2004/5 and has been updated as applications have been amended and sites have been implemented. The latest refresh utilises new traffic data from 2014, with Waitrose, the medical centre and a proportion of the new housing scheme completed. Key outcomes The following items should be considered: Co-ordinated green wave between signals to minimise impact of a road, ferry and chain link ferry alterations. Traffic signal control system will be required at Waitrose/ Ferry junction and also likely at York Avenue and Well Road junction. Layout re-unites the town centre with strong pedestrian links throughout, including to the waterfront. Provides quality access for all modes including pedestrians, cycles, buses and taxis. Site management plan to demonstrate method of dealing with back-up of ferry traffic onto the highway. Mitigation of potential conflict of ferry and Waitrose traffic. The replacement of the floating bridge will improve the crossing of the Medina. A new vessel may provide increased capacity for the crossing. Existing floating bridge in need of replacement Opportunities for improved public transport for East Cowes 3

Solent Gateway Streets and spaces improvements The Solent Gateways initiative, funded by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, will not only help to improve local traffic movement and replace the floating bridge, it will also help to improve the quality of the local environment by carrying out works to the quality of the public realm of some of the key streets and spaces. Bridge Square Key arrival point from West Cowes creating enhanced pedestrian links to Castle Road and York Square. The design offers views at high level over the River Medina and the chain ferry to West Cowes. Right: Concept plan for Bridge Square, next to the floating bridge Below: York Square as existing Above: Concept plan for Bridge Square, by the floating bridge. Solent Gateways initiative proposal by the SLEP York Square One of the main hubs in East Cowes connecting the chain ferry, Waitrose, town square, Trinity Wharf and Castle Street to the Town Hall. The design provides further opportunities for cafe spill out, as well as creating a high quality pedestrian space. Concept for York Square by the Solent Gateways SLEP initiative York Avenue Proposed improvements on York Avenue will allow for the separation of traffic for the marshalling yard and the town centre facilitating the public realm works at York Square. Enhanced public realm will provide benefits for businesses on York Avenue and an important pedestrian link between Trinity Wharf and York Square. Castle Street Provides access from the floating bridge to the town centre and the marshalling yard. The design will allow for the separation of traffic for the marshalling yard and the town centre, facilitating improved access and the proposed improvements at York Square. Below: Areas in pink being delivered via the Solent Gateways SLEP initiative 4

Red Funnel opportunity Current issues to be resolved The capacity of the marshalling yards offers little operational reliance given that the ferry traffic is highly variable, in terms of seasonal, daily and hourly peaks. Turnaround times are affected by the inability to allow simultaneous loading and off loading. The lack of segregation between different ferry traffic (cars, HGVs, dropped trailers and coaches). The lack of segregation and space between traffic boarding/ leaving the ferry, vehicles dropping passengers off/ picking up, bus services, taxis and parcel delivery management. The split marshalling yards. The alignment of the stacking lanes making it difficult for various vehicles to load the ferries and thus resulting in inefficient lane management. The necessary allocation of stacking lanes to different vehicles and the consequent conflicting/ cross over movements. Split marshalling yard: Phoenix Yard, east of Castle Street A new marshalling yard The solution is to create a single efficient new marshalling yard. The proposals include: Increase the capacity of the ferry terminal operational area, including the marshalling yard. Improve the efficiency of the embarkation and disembarkation of ferry traffic. Reduce conflicts between the various movements associated with the ferry terminal and the town centre uses. Improve the internal segregation of the movements and activities associated with the ferry; Future proof proposals for the ferry operations to assist in meeting the longer term growth objectives of the Isle of Wight Council. Comply with and help deliver the Solent Gateway Project s aspirations to improve the local road network for the benefit of the local community and ferry operations. Above: Existing traffic and the split marshalling yard Below (right): Proposed single marshalling yard and split traffic movements to avoid conflicts in the town centre. The suggested solution to separate port traffic from town traffic is shown below. View along Castle Street between marshalling yards Ferry off-loading Floating bridge 5

Red Funnel terminal A new arrival to East Cowes The current terminal building is currently in need of replacement and does not offer the best possible experience for visitors to the Island. As part of Red Funnel s commitment to the Isle of Wight, it is investing in a new purpose built terminal building that provides for better and more efficient facilities, such as improved ticketing, real time information and new Steam cafe, with decked viewing area overlooking the Medina. Red Funnel has employed architects Stride Treglown to design new terminals for both East Cowes and Southampton. The current emerging proposals are illustrated. Location We have considered four locations for the new terminal building: 1. Adjoining Castle Street/ Well Road junction: Again this creates a conflict with passengers walking across the marshalling yard and is too far from the ferry. 2. Trinity Wharf: However this meant walking in front of the loading area for the ferry, which provides a safety issue for passengers. 3. Located in the current position: This would provide inflexibility for future growth for any additional berth or Red jet. 4. North-West corner: This is the preferred location and helps separate vehicle traffic from pedestrian movement. Design Designed with two main facades, one entrance façade facing the marshalling yard and one active façade facing the River Medina. Main entrance located on a corner and clearly visible from all points of the new marshalling yard. All passenger facilities located on the ground floor of the building, with covered walkway providing access to the ferries for foot passengers. All staff facilities are located on the first floor of the building with clear views over the marshalling yard. External seating area with tables and chairs providing good views over the river and an active frontage to the building, with river views. Building form heavily articulated to provide interest and avoid the look of a monolithic building. White and contrasting grey panels add to the elevations to provide contrast and also reflect the white appearance of the Columbine Building and the Waitrose Energy Centre. Aluminium standing seam mono pitch roof system, providing a maintenance free solution. Proposed new Red Funnel terminal. This will form a detailed part of the planning application. 6

Vision for development Emerging ideas for development Two Masterplan Scenarios have been developed for the future of East Cowes, as part of the proposals being developed on behalf of Red Funnel. The final version will form part of the illustrative proposals for the outline part of the planning application The land use plan sets out the general approach to the redevelopment proposed, however there are a number of approaches that could be taken forward in terms of the approach to development and we would like your thoughts on what would be best for the area. In general terms there could be two approaches for delivery: 1. Employment led regeneration of the waterfront. 2. Mixed use approach to waterfront development. We have illustrated both approaches and would like your views on the approach that would best deliver the vision for East Cowes and create the kind of place you would like to live and work in. With each scenario we are assessing how viable the schemes are and who would be willing to help deliver the development and final mix of uses. Q: What uses would you like to see as part of the development? Your thoughts are needed! We are asking you to look at each masterplan scenario, give your thoughts on the bits you like or don t like, and provide input into the design of a preferred masterplan for the area. There will be further opportunities to get involved as the masterplan design moves forward. Common elements within each Masterplan Scenario: Each retains the same land use split between Red Funnel operational land and areas for new development. Each assumes the relocation of the existing slipway into the Medina. Each illustrates a residential led approach to Phoenix Yard, though again there are opportunities to refine the final mix for this area. Maximum building heights remain the same, with a maximum building height to the waterfront at Trinity Wharf being up to 15m (equivalent to four residential storeys), and Phoenix Yard up to 12 metres (three to four storey residential). Each delivers employment, though the quantity varies, as does the range of additional uses; Each assumes the same general street structure. The two Scenarios differ in three principal ways: Large scale employment approach to scenario 01. Fine grain mixed use development to waterfront in scenario 02. Proposed planning application area Proposed land use mix opportunities Site Area Detail (Full) Area c2.4ha c1.6ha Site Area Marshalling Yard c2.4ha c1.6ha Trinity Wharf c0.5ha Phoenix Yard c0.3ha a Terminal Building b Work / Retail / Homes / Leisure c Work / Homes a b c 7

Scenario 01 Waterfront Employment Hub A focus for marine industries This scenario demonstrates how new waterfront development could be delivered which has an employment focus, incorporating up to 20,000 square foot (1,858 square metres) building. Even with an employment focus there could also be some restricted access for visitors, especially if a small cafe is incorporated as part of the development, providing waterfront views for visitors. Phoenix Yard, adjoining Link Road, would still provide for some residential and potential for some small scale commercial space. This design approach would lend itself more to the needs of marine based industries and research uses. A similar approach is currently being proposed in West Cowes at Medina Yard. Employment Cafe Artist s impression of what an employment led option could look like from the River Medina Q: What do you think? Would you like to see an employment focus to the waterfront? New employment, up to 20,000 sqft, with opportunity for public viewing area to Medina and potential cafe Cafe New bus stop Potential for housing led development on Phoenix Yard, Link Road for a mix of up to 40 homes, with potential for some commercial space Columbine Marshalling Yard New terminal 8

Scenario 02 Mixed-Use Waterfront A mixed use, vibrant, opportunity This illustrative scenario provides for a broad mix of uses, based on a range of smaller units to create an active frontage of development, linking the town centre to the waterfront at Trinity Wharf. We suggest that this can help to deliver a wide range of uses and include: Hotel Restaurant/ bar/ cafe Small scale employment uses/ offices Apartments over commercial uses Rear parking Pedestrian friendly street and public decked space to the waterfront, with opportunity to access temporary moorings for boats and possibly a river taxi service. Artist s impression of what a mixed use development option could look like from the River Medina Q: What do you think? Would you like to see a mixed-use waterfront? Greenwall boundary/ landscape Mixed use waterfront, with potential for hotel, employment, retail and residential. New bus stop Potential for housing led development on Phoenix Yard, Link Road for a mix of up to 40 homes, with potential for some commercial space Columbine Marshalling Yard New terminal 9

Next Steps Your comments matter The comments received today and throughout the consultation process will help inform the final masterplan and there will be a further opportunity in early summer to have your say on proposals. More chances to comment We also intend to host a further public exhibition in late June 2015 to show you progress, prior to submitting any planning application. Planning application Red Funnel aims to submit an outline planning application at the beginning of August 2015. Consultation: Stakeholder workshop aboard Red Falcon We welcome your comments You can provide us with your comments today by completing a feedback form. Alternatively, you can send us your comments by 8 June 2015, or go on to the East Cowes Regeneration website: www.eastcowesregeneration.co.uk PLEASE COMMENT BY 8 JUNE 2015 Contact details By post to: East Cowes Regeneration Savills 2 Charlotte Place Southampton SO14 0TB By email to: southamptonplanning@savills.com Proposed new Red Funnel terminal. This will form a detailed part of the planning application. 10