Isle of Wight Council works to revitalise part of East Cowes Esplanade kicked off today as the Mayor of East Cowes Town Council, Councillor Tracy Reardon, put the first spade in the ground.

Works at Albany Green will celebrate the space’s heritage with an ironmongery arch, new seating, new plants, soft landscaping and new ellipse seating area with views towards Cowes.

A small temporary stage or raised platform could also be used in this area for small pop-up events throughout the year.

Seating across the new all-weather public realm will provide anyone who works nearby a shaded place to sit during their lunch breaks, with new shrubs being planted to increase the biodiversity of the site.

Traditional iron fencing will frame a new-heritage inspired landscaped garden in efforts to regenerate and create a welcoming community space in an area of the esplanade rarely used by residents or tourists.

Funded by central government through the Levelling Up Fund, the works are expected to be completed within 12 weeks and are being completed by Island business Crown Park.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said: “Since being awarded the Levelling Up grant in 2021, this multi layered scheme is delivering positive change for East Cowes.

“This public realm element, developed with the community, is probably going to be the most noticed, transforming this space and connecting people to the town’s story.

“My thanks go to all involved at East Cowes Town Council and Isle of Wight Council for making this ambition happen and overcoming the hurdles along the way.”

Councillor Reardon said: “I am delighted to see the collaborative efforts of the East Cowes Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council come to life with the transformation of Albany Green.

“By working together on projects like this, we can achieve truly remarkable outcomes that benefit local residents and the Island as a whole.

“Albany Green will be a vibrant hub of activity, providing a welcoming community space for people to come together and enjoy a diverse range of events.

“I believe this project will not only enhance the beauty of our town but also inspire its community spirit. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when we work together.”

Councillor Karl Love, who represents East Cowes, said: “It is great to see works begin on this new public realm as Albany Green will be transformed into a new vibrant space for the community to enjoy, and this has only been made possible through collaborative work between East Cowes Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

“This project has been six years in the making and we are all looking forward to seeing this area being improved for our community use. It will see new exciting events and facilities created, for our community and the wider benefit of island people.”