This section sets out the context and aims of the Public Realm Strategy, both for the town as a whole and also the schematic objectives for the distinct urban quarters within Ryde town centre and Ryde Esplanade.

The Public Realm Strategy is one of a number of “Pride in Ryde” SRB funded initiatives being implemented in Ryde. The aim is to combine physical improvements with economic and cultural development and social inclusion programmes, to ensure that Ryde fulfils its potential as one of the major centres and gateways to the Isle of Wight. The strategy’s role must be to create the attractive and vibrant public realm setting against which key commercial and cultural initiatives such as the creation of an arts quarter in Union Street and the re-use of St Thomas Church, can grow and flourish. Opportunity exists to extend the tourist interest in unusual attractions including the Globe Museum, located at Bravinger’s Arcade, which also connects to Union Road to the rear of Union Street.

The strategy has been developed in close consultation with key stakeholders and has been designed to respond to the key issues, opportunities and aspirations identified, by providing a unifying context for Ryde’s built environment, setting out cohesive design guidelines and applying a set of common standards to streetscape details, which will combine with the town’s many high quality, visually complementary natural features, to create clarity and harmony in the public realm. It shows how the strategy should be used both to
enhance the town’s distinctive existing public realm features and also to take advantage of opportunities to extend its approach in new development.

Other central requirements that have been explored and responded to, in consultation with key stakeholders include:

* Security and safety
* A better balance between pedestrians and traffic
* Resolving parking issues
* Quality play, open community, respite and refuge spaces
* Enhancing the setting of shop fronts and public buildings
* Improved signage
* Effective lighting and CCTV
* Improved links to the High Street and Union Street
* Opportunities for public art
* Using development space
* Cost-effective maintenance

When implemented the strategy should make a real contribution to improving the Ryde “experience” for
people living and working in and visiting the town, as well as facilitating new enterprise, economic regeneration and social inclusion.