Ryde High Street HAZ
Consultation Summary Paper
September 2022
PAPER E
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Background to this Report
In late 2021, the Ryde HAZ appointed Bournemouth-based urban planning and urban design practice
Feria Urbanism to run a public engagement process to help inform how the public realm in the centre of
Ryde could be improved and enhanced.
Following a research phase that included various on-site and online engagement work, the project
focused upon the pedestrianised section of the High Street, Co-Op Square and Minghella Square.
Design concepts around playful and interactive public realm designs were prepared for the central
section of the street, including the two squares. The rationale behind these concepts was based upon
young people’s experience of urban centres and were designed to draw footfall into the heart of Ryde in a
declining retail environment. Within these designs, opportunities for a celebration of filmmaking were
explored, a recognition of Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella’s connection to Ryde. Alongside
these concepts, proposals to improve to the gateways at either end of the pedestrianised zone were
prepared. All ideas were published on a dedicated website and tested during a five week public
consultation phase.
Comments were received through a survey on the dedicated website; through participation in four
separate on-site walking tours; and through an evening Zoom consultation. This report summaries the
comments received and makes recommendations.
Recommendations
1. Make something happen and quickly. There is a desire to stop talking and start doing.
2. Keep it simple – clean, unfussy, easy to maintain, high quality, conventional and traditional
materials are preferred to anything bespoke, patterned, or complex.
3. Implementation of change starting at either end of the pedestrianised zone has public support,
and the gateways as described should comprise the first phases of change.
4. Do not reply only on changed visual perceptions at the northern gateway to prevent vehicles
entering into the restricted area. There was widespread concern that actual physical barriers will
be required to enforce the pedestrian-only zone in the form of a gate (that can be closed/opened
to allow servicing and/or emergency access) or a bollard (that can be dropped flat with key to
allow servicing and/or emergency access).
5. The two squares function well at the present time and are in a better state of repair and condition
than the main stretch of street between the two gateway areas. The broken, cracked tarmac and
the legacy of the time when vehicles were permitted into the street e.g. double-yellow lines,
delineation of carriageway and pavement) require urgent remediation. Change along this linear
section of street is considered more important and more vital to the success of the street than
any changes to the two squares at this time.
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6. While the relative narrowness of the street and its likely complex below-ground services preclude
the introduction of street trees, there is a widespread desire for a greener, softer high street with
increased planting. These will need to be in a form suitable for inclusion in a relatively narrow,
historic street but not create unnecessary obstacles (e.g. big planter boxes). These might include
ground level swales, window boxes on walls and other small-scale green interventions that will all
visually lift the image of the street. The current concept designs were seen as not green enough.
7. In the spirit of refurbishment and making good what is there already, a refresh of the existing
wooden-topped brickwork seats is recommended. Using new timber, repairs could include a
reintroduction of soft landscape elements into what were once planter boxes, only more recently
turned into seating.
8. The continued programming of the two urban squares by community groups in their current state
is encouraged. While there was general support for longer term urban design interventions (such
as the steps to create an amphitheatre effect or street furniture that can act as a stage) these were
not seen as necessary for the continued success of the spaces.
9. Empower local businesses to make more of the opportunity outside their premises. The changes
designed and delivered by Rob Madigan, the manager of Star Coffee & Ale House, were widely
applauded during the walking tours. These comprise seating and planters that are kept indoors
overnight and brought out into the street during trading hours. The changes brought about by
these installations align with the way many want to see the High Street develop – greener, more
welcoming, more seating, more convivial, longer opening hours, more people, more often. The
offer of financial assistance to other businesses to do the same or offering them access to a
standardised “kit of parts” for them to install their own set of benches planters should be
explored.
10. Establish a long term vision for the street and the urban design changes needed to bring about
that vision. Then work backwards from that long term vision to create a series of affordable
phases of work that all build towards the vision. Part of this vision could include the curation of
premise occupiers e.g. actively seeking to attract specific operators for empty units to get the
right mix of retail, hospitality and residential along Ryde High Street.
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Future Actions
1. The
consultant team (Feria Urbanism) to update the drawings, plans, text and images to reflect a
set of revised ideas informed by the consultation process. New drawings to indicate:
- A green
er high street
- Use of clean, unfussy, easy to maintain, high quality, conventional and traditional materials
along the linear section of the street
- Refurbishment of existing seating blocks currently in-situ in the street
- Leave the two squares largely untouched
2. De
sign report to include precedent images of other places to indicate the type of materials,
landscape design and layout appropriate to Ryde High Street.
3. De
sign report to include a long term vision image together with recommendations for a phased
approach to delivery.
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Part A – Summary of Website Consultation Results
First Phase
The website was open for five weeks from Wednesday 22
nd
June to Wednesday 27
th
July 2022. Question
one queried the respondent’s thoughts on the visions for the northern and southern gateways to Ryde,
and the proposed materials for these.
Thirty seven responses were received to this part of the survey, with the majority agreeing with the
proposals. The opinions on the northern and southern gateway visions were the same, with 54% saying
they agreed or strongly agreed, and 35% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. 8% felt neutral about the
proposed visions. With regard to the materials proposed, 46% agreed or strongly agreed with the choices,
30% disagreed or strongly agreed, and 24% felt neutral about them.
The next question aimed to understand what social activities were most important to people in public
spaces. The data showed that public and social events, including markets and fairs, seasonal events,
festivals, and social gatherings were noted of high importance. People also valued coffee shops,
entertainment, and live music, alongside play and celebrations. This was useful to see which of these
features should be considered in the design of the scheme and also consider how a flexible public space
could be designed to potentially incorporate these activities.
Questions – First Phase
Answers
Total
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
Agree
The proposed vision will improve the
Northern Gateway
8
5
3
13
7
37
The proposed vision will improve the
Southern Gateway
8 5 3 13 7 37
The proposed materials for the Northern
and Southern Gateways will work well
8
3
8
11
6
37
8
5
3
14
7
0
5
10
15
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
The proposed vision will improve the
Northern and Southern Gateways
8
3
9
11
6
0
5
10
15
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
The proposed materials for the Northern
and Southern Gateways will work well
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The graph shows the breakdown of which social events people considered most important in public
spaces.
When queried what social activities had been missed, the responses mentioned that some everyday
activities had been missed. Some wanted more places for a sit and a chat, during the week as well as on a
weekend, stating that “… the reality of people wanting to meet and greet each other in a nice environment
on a daily basis” needed more consideration.
20
7
10
8
28
15
5
18
12
20
1
9
11
6
3
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Of the social activities shown, which are the most
important to you?
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Later Phases
The next set of questions then asked the respondents about later phases of the scheme, and their overall
feelings about the development proposals for both Co-Op and Minghella Square, connecting the two
squares, and the initial proposals for the choice of street furniture and materials.
There was a fairly even split between those that supported the proposals and those that did not. The
most support was given to the improvements proposed to Co-Op Square, with overall 51% agreeing or
strongly agreeing that they support it.
The most common strongly disagree was in relation to materials, with 30% strongly disagreeing and 5%
disagreeing with the proposed use of materials and street furniture. However, 40% agreed or strongly
agreed. 25% felt neutral about it. The table and graphs below display the responses, and the reasons
behind these responses are then explored.
Questions – Later Phases
Answers
Totals
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly
Agree
My feelings about the proposed
improvements are Co-op Square
10
5
4
12
8
39
My feelings about the proposed
improvements are: Minghella
Square
10 5 6 11 7 39
My feelings about the proposed
improvements are: Connecting
the two squares
8 2 9 8 11 38
Do you agree with the proposed
use of materials and street
furniture?
12 2 10 9 7 40
0
5
10
15
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
My feelings about the proposed
improvements are: Co-op Square
Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
My feelings about the proposed
improvements are: Minghella Square
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Support for Change
There were many positive comments in relation to the scheme’s aims and ambitions. People
acknowledged how Ryde High Street was currently “uninviting”, “a mess with inadequate seating” and
were excited that Ryde was being looked at for change and could once again become “the gateway to this
beautiful island visible and be able to bring the community in through so many ways.”
In relation to Ryde High Street, one noted how “… a once fashionable and elegant town has been
mistreated. Nowhere is this more apparent than the High Street that is now part of the Heritage Action Zone.
The disfigured street surface with its variety of disintegrating mismatched materials encapsulates the
thoughtless and piecemeal approach to maintenance and renovation of Ryde’s public realm in the past
decades.”
Much support was also given to improving the squares, as “Minghella Square currently does not have a
sign and is not marked on google maps or anything” and many were excited by the positive change that
would come from the redevelopment of the squares. One exclaimed they ‘love the idea of things going on
in those squares and being able to relax and enjoy them.’
Some had queries around the scope of the area of the project, asking why the upper High Street has been
ignored (i.e. the non-pedestrianised section between Star Street and St John’s Road) saying the study
area should be extended to include this. Others said that a public realm scheme should be implemented
immediately outside Ryde Town Hall instead. One respondent considered the pedestrianised section of
the high street could be enhanced further with a physical gateway, “… there is an opportunity to identify
the high street with a decorative arch or portal.”
Therefore, a lot of constructive feedback came out of the consultation which has provided scope for
development and amendment to the original ideas.
Playful & Interactive Designs
One theme that was tested during the consultation period was the playable and interactive element to
the scheme. This proved divisive. Those that saw this as positive did so for families with young children.
One stated “I like the idea for modular furniture and a playful theme, connecting opportunities around arts,
culture, heritage for all age groups, with landscaping and improvements to the surfacing in the pedestrian
zone which will make this part of Ryde High Street safer, more accessible and much more attractive as a
place of choice to spend leisure time.”
However, others thought that the scheme was too “targeted at the younger person” and were concerned
that this would exclude the “large mature group” with it considering playability, film, and social media at
the core. They wanted the scheme simplified, asking “why can't we have clean, even pavements, a few well
designed tables and seats and maybe some improved signage?”
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A G
reener High Street
A key consideration amongst the respondents was that they would like to see more greenery, with “more
trees and fewer hard surfaces.” Some said that “greenery is sorely missing from the High Street” and
expressed a preference for trees over planters detailed in the current design “to provide shade and to
support the environment.”
It was acknowledged that “all places look better with imaginative and abundant planting”, and indeed
“some of the most successful new shopping centres, Bicester Shopping Village and Gunwharf Quays were
most notable for their traditional public realm layout and materials, but also the spectacular planting”, so
this was viewed as an opportunity to make Ryde stand out.
There was also the suggestion for a living wall in Co-Op Square and a view that even more greenery would
further enhance the plans. Shade was also mentioned in relation to shelter; some wanted provision of
tree canopies or large sail canopies; they said, “as about 60% of the time the weather is cold and/or wet, it
would be very important to have plenty of shelter.”
Ref
lection of Heritage
One topic that was raised numerous times was that respondents wanted the designs to better reflect the
heritage of Ryde, as there is “so much heritage to celebrate”, with much Victorian architecture as seen in
the historic shopfronts along the High Street.
Many considered that the current proposals to be too contemporary, saying they would not augment the
vernacular. Some considered how a more Regency feel is required to enhance the vernacular, with a
suggestion of “tree planting augmented with large Versailles type planters” to “create a true Regency feel to
the area.” Others considered that heritage should be incorporated into the design in relation to Ryde’s
seaside feel, stating that “there doesn't seem to be any effort made to incorporate any classic English
0
5
10
15
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
Do you agree with the proposed use of
materials and street furniture?
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly
Agree
My feelings about the proposed improvements
are: Connecting the two squares
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seaside aesthetic in a modern way.” A further comment related to the colour palette with concerns
relating to the scheme becoming “immature” if the wrong palette is used; it should be “subtle but obvious
and a neutral but uplifting.” One noted how “as long as it's done in good taste and isn't tacky, and respects
the architectural heritage of the town, [the scheme] sounds good.”
Accessibility & Inclusivity
A few respondents raised concerns surrounding accessibility and inclusivity, mentioning how the designs
would be a challenge for disabled people and those that are visually impaired to use, including the steps
on town square but would be a “gift to skateboarders.” One queried where disabled people would park to
access shops and considered more could be done to promote inclusivity throughout the scheme.
There was controversy around the impacts of the proposals on the shops in the high street. One
considered how the plans “do not take into account at all the retail nature of area and that its primary
raison d'etre is to attract shoppers who spend money to employ people in the wide range of shops that
actually make Ryde such a popular town.”
One respondent was concerned that the plans would hinder high street activity; hindering it and “making
it less likely shoppers will come”, but others saw the positives, considering that “a scheme like this would
also improve the type and diversity of shops in the area” through bringing in more footfall, making Ryde “a
proper and friendly town to visit.”
Some comments were raised around cutting vehicles out of the area and how more needed to be done to
stop this. It was positively acknowledged that the plans will “stop the high street being a cut through for
vehicles and properly pedestrianise the area.” A few noted that something should be put in to stop cars
from pulling into the High Street, with ideas including a gate, or a large no entry sign for drivers as some
think they can drive through the High Street after 6pm.
Ryde & the Anthony Minghella Connection
Finally, comments were given surrounding the ideas for incorporation of film into the design in a variety of
manners. Many were supportive of incorporation of film, and suggestions were provided to take the
theme further, including a “clapper board or film reel type art around Minghella square and lots of street
lights that make the areas attractive for night time events so it isn't left as a vacant space for anti-social
behaviours.”
Comparatively, some more mature respondents were concerned over the noise and activity that this
would generate, raising concern over “rowdy music sessions” and “film teams shouting.” Though some
agreed that Ryde’s links to film should be celebrated, they viewed creation of Ryde’s unique paving design
with links to film as potentially “gimmicky” and said it “could be costly to maintain” – it could become
“dated and incongruous with its surroundings” in years to come and become burdensome. These
respondents noted that “a classic traditional approach may not seem as exciting, but it does bring some
guarantees.”
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Others wanted to take the film ideas and widen them to incorporate a broader provision of more types of
art rather than seeing a dedication to film, though there was explicit support for a plaque being installed
in Minghella Square from a few respondents. Sculpture was a theme mentioned by some respondents,
one mentioning how “a contest for sculptural entrants that entice public interaction would be good.”
There was mention of many well-known artists on the island such as Barbera Gowan, Jo Hummel-Newell
and Laura Hatherway of Ryde who should be given more emphasis. People wanted to see a broader
scope of artwork, including pop-up and permanent features.
A suggestion was had for art on the sides of buildings to help get more current and aspiring artists to get
quickly and easily involved. Buildings could “be adorned with beautiful artworks, maybe celebrating the
sunsets we enjoy in Ryde, the sea and the vast skies, all of which would have inspired the poets and writers
who lived here.” This led to one respondent reflecting that “in a sense, the island’s nature is our most
valued heritage.” It was finally noted that whichever art interventions are included must be of the highest
quality.
Conclusions
This online consultation has been useful to the consultancy team to help them better understand the
public’s views on the concept and ideas for Ryde High Street. The collection of constructive feedback on
different aspects of the concepts will allow targeted refinement leading to changes that will ensure a
more responsive design proposal.
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Part B – Summary of the On-Site Walking Tours & Zoom
Consultation Results
A total of four walking tours were conducted on Thursday 7
th
July and Tuesday 19
th
July along the High
Street in Ryde and one online consultation via Zoom on Wednesday 13th July, to invite feedback on the
initial designs for First Phase: the Northern and Southern Gateways, and Later Phases: the Minghella and
Town Squares.
There were 13 participants in total joined the walking tours on 7th July, and 13 participants joined in total
on 19th July. Two participants joined the online Zoom consultation held on the evening of 13
th
July. The
participants consisted of a range of demographics including local residents, business owners, town
council representatives and local arts, community, and heritage organisations.
This is a summary of their feedback on the initial First Phase and Later Phase design concepts for the high
street redevelopment as part of the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project.
Photos from the various walking tours on Thu 7
th
and Tue 19
th
July 2022.
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Overall Reactions
Participants overall liked the initial concepts and welcomed the greening, the playful approaches, and the
decluttering aspects of the design concept. However, the feedback also included a requirement for the
design to be braver and focus on areas that needed more attention than others. Three common concerns
from most participants included:
● A need to see quick wins, with interim fixes to improve the space and test-bed ideas for longer
term gains; it was felt that “developing a 10-year strategy with community engagement was more
realistic”.
● Uneven tarmac surfacing through the whole street needs replacing as a top priority.
● Vehicles travelling up the high street was still an issue - 17 cars were noted within one hour on the
last walking tour, as an example.
First Phase
The first phase of the project focuses on Northern and Southern Gateways of the High Street.
Northern Gateway
Participants noted that the entrance to the high street at the Northern Gateway still “feels like a road” and
the signs are “not adhered to” and are “confusing”. They welcomed the resurfacing element of the
redesign to clearly demarcate that this is now a pedestrian zone. However, some participants still felt that
this was not enough.
Several domestic vehicles still travel up this route at all times of the day, especially after 6pm “because
they still think they are allowed to”. A suggestion of a gate to bar access to this area was welcomed by
many; it was felt this gate should have a heritage feel to it, so it is in keeping with the historical aspect of
the town.
Another participant offered a suggestion that the entrance to the high street could be made more distinct
to showcase an “attractive display of what Ryde has to offer”, perhaps with a “Welcome to Ryde” archway at
this juncture.
It was felt by many that the high street “feels dead once the shops shut” and “people don’t have a reason to
walk down the high street after 5:30”, so suggestions to “give people reasons to walk up this way” included
more greening, a “bustling cafe culture” and “better signage”, which might encourage more community
engagement and visitor interest too.
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All participants noted that the greening and seating elements of the design were important, but they
“wanted to see more of it” in the design.
It was felt by a few participants that the bedding planters were too low to the ground and “would
encourage littering and misuse”. More trees and higher planters would be welcomed to bring the eye line
up, offer shade and encourage more greening along the high street.
Another suggestion was that the planters need to have “permanent plants and not bedding as this is too
seasonal and would require more maintenance”. There were a couple of requests for plants that would
offer scent in the air, like herbs and more hardy perfumed plants, which would invite wildlife such as bees
and butterflies to the space. One participant suggested that these planters could be “sponsored by local
businesses or the Rotary Club to help support long term maintenance of them”.
It was noted by many that the existing benches and wooden-top seating pods are always in constant use,
and this should be a priority as part of the redesign. It was felt that the wooden seating areas “aren’t too
bad but the wrong wood was used”, so an updated version of these would be welcomed using more hard-
wearing wood.
Most participants wanted to see function and form when it came to the seating. “Many older people use
this high street for their daily shopping supplies, and often use this as a chance to meet others and also take
a rest” so “comfortable seating for all ages is vital”.
Another suggestion included offering USB phone charging points within the benches or seating areas to
encourage people to stay longer and use the space for their daily activities.
A couple of participants noted that they would like to see more bike racks and bins along the high street
as part of the redesign.
Most participants noted that they would like to see the seating and planters placed more “into the middle
of the street” to discourage domestic vehicles from travelling up the street and offer a “safer environment
for all pedestrians”.
Southern Gateway
A lot of participants welcomed the design concepts in a similar manner to the Northern Gateway ideas, in
regard to the greening, resurfacing, and decluttering of the area, but again, “would like to see more”. They
felt there is a “general sense of lack of care and cleanliness” along the high street at the moment and the
resurfacing of the tarmac throughout the length of the high street should be a top priority.
The entrance to this gateway is on the corner of a busy road and participants said that all vehicles “often
drive too fast” around the corner, so some speed restriction processes should be encouraged and the
“curb along the road edge to be higher”.
The majority of participants noted that the new outside seating and planters at The Star pub has brought
a fresh vitality to the area, and they would like to see more of this repeated down the high street leading
to the two squares; many thought this could offer more reasons for residents and visitors to use the high
street more, especially after shop hours and offer a sense of identity for the area.
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However, some suggested that there isn’t a critical mass to sustain this cafe culture, or al fresco dining
experiences, as “many food and drink businesses have failed in the past along here”.
Some participants suggested that a series of curated units with pop-up shops and experiences might be a
better option to revive the high street; with one participant commenting that “this might kick-start a range
of offers like retail alongside food and drink options”.
Most participants want the area to “feel safe”, especially after dark. So, lighting was a consistent point that
was raised in all walking tours and during the online consultation.
It was felt that the existing streetlights were too high and “shone into residential flats throughout the night”
and “made it look more like a road still”. It was felt that if these were lowered and made more “welcoming”
within a heritage design concept, this would “help make the high street feel safer”. A lot of participants
wanted to see “warm lighting” options, and a few mentioned they would like to see “those Victorian style
string lights throughout the length of the high street”.
A couple of participants noted that the lighting could be incorporated within the seating and/or planters
to animate the space in a new and exciting way.
Some participants repeated that the high street is used a lot by an older demographic, who might usually
get a taxi into town. So, a loading bay and/or taxi drop-off point could be useful at the entrance to the
Southern Gateway. This might also support the later evening dining experiences too.
There was still an issue of the entrance being used by domestic and non-emergency vehicles at the
Southern Gateway, so a suggestion of some restrictions other than signage should be employed here.
A younger participant noted that the design should consider climate change as a factor, so plenty of
shade from trees or awnings along the shop fronts, as well as water refill spots would be welcomed.
All groups noted that the current public telephone box “is out of keeping with the rest of the high street
redesign” and should be replaced with “the old red version if possible”.
The responses about the seating were the same as the Northern Gateway, with an added point that “there
is a view to the sea at the top of this street” and participants wondered if “the seating placements could
accommodate that”.
A number of participants stated that there is a distinct lack of signage and way-finding points to key
landmarks in and around the high street. It was suggested that “bigger/clearer signage and free-standing
way-finding points could be stationed along the Southern Gateway entrance”.
It was also noted that any signage and way-finding points need to “have a heritage feel to the design”.
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Later Phases
Town Square (Co-op Square)
The majority of participants welcomed the concept of the auditorium approach to the Town Square,
allowing for people to sit, linger longer and enjoy the space at all times of the day. It would also
demarcate a staging area to encourage more live events and community led activities in the Square.
Opinion, however, was split on the design of the steps as a seating option in this design. Some
participants stated that they thought it would be a “trip hazard” and not functional for the older
demographic; “people over a certain age don’t want to sit on the floor or hard surfaces, and they will need a
back support too”.
This was also followed by a suggestion of erecting a handrail along the side of the steps between the
steps and slope to “prevent older people from falling”.
Others welcomed the design concept fully and thought that this would be a “great solution for all ages, as
long as the steps are clearly marked and not too shallow”. The local community enjoyed live events
throughout the Queen’s Jubilee in June 2022, with one participant mentioning “if we had this design now,
it would have prevented children and families having to sit on the floor”, adding “it was a popular event so
having this auditorium style design would, I’m sure encourage more of this activity”.
Participants noted that the new mural design in the Square was a welcome change to the unkempt wall
and negative signage. The majority also noted that they would like to see more of this within the rest of
the high street, adding that the greening aspect of the design idea could be braver. “A living wall in the far-
left hand corner might be a nice addition and more trees would be good for shade and shelter from wet-
weather - especially if there will be regular events, markets and performances here”.
One participant, who was not formally part of the walking tour, came to offer some feedback to the one
sessions. As the manager of WH Smith positioned in the Town Square, he saw the value of engaging with
the community in order to maintain and revive the local area; he noted that acting more like an
independent retailer and working closely with other shops spaces and the local residents was key. This
model could encourage a stronger working relationship between other small business owners and larger
retailers along the high street, as supported by the example of a Business Improvement District model
that is utilised in many towns across the UK.
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Minghella Square
Participants were pleased to see the removal of the bollards in this design concept and welcomed the
notion of extending the surface material of the Square out into the high street and linking this through to
the Town Square area.
However, some noted that the shapes and designs on the surface material in the concept might look
“dated in a few years’ time” and would need to know that the surface material “won’t look aged or dirty in a
short space of time.”
A number of participants noted that the current surface of the Minghella Square “looked fine” and the
“time and money should be spent on resurfacing the tarmac along the full length of the high street” instead.
Some participants suggested the design concept should directly replicate the current surface material in
Minghella Square out and along the full high street.
The social activities that would be preferred in this area included public events, seasonal events, markets,
and fairs. All participants welcomed a more open space and better seating options from the design
concept. The additional greening was also encouraged, especially moving the trees from the central
location to the far end of the Square. However, a couple of participants pointed out that as “the shops
aren’t open long enough to encourage people to enjoy the space after 5pm” the “lighting and after-hours
activities need to be considered better in this design”.
Another participant noted that there “could be open WIFI across the whole of the high street” to encourage
people to connect and stay longer in the area.
A number of participants noted that Minghella Square is not listed on Google/Apple Maps so “visitors
won’t know it’s there” and as the naming of the Square was “not officially agreed by the Minghella family”,
some work will need to be done to officially name the Square before any redevelopment or signage and
way-finding points are created.
Another suggestion of a “blue plaque to Anthony Minghella or the Minghella family would be welcomed
from a tourism angle”.
One participant also noted that “Minghella isn’t the only history that Ryde has” and more historical interest
and social stories would be a great angle to lean into to celebrate the town’s history for the local residents
and visitors alike.
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Conclusions
Overall, the participants welcomed the design concepts in a positive way and were encouraged to see
that initial concerns and comments shared in the first stage of this consultation were taken into
consideration.
However, a vast majority of the participants on all walking tours and the online consultation wanted to
see more exciting design concepts displayed and more considerations for the major problem areas,
which was most notably, the resurfacing of the tarmac across the full length of the high street and more
developed ideas to stop traffic from entering the pedestrian zone.
Another keen response was that “Ryde is lacking in identity” and how this high street redesign should be
picking up on elements of Union Street and the Esplanade to offer residents and visitors a more cohesive
look and feel to the whole area.
One final note from most of the feedback was that they wanted to see “high quality” changes early on - so
“people can start to see a change from the HAZ project”, with one participant adding “we are
consultationally (sic) jaded”.
A couple of participants suggested that an interim version of the full plan would be useful, adding that
“having meanwhile solutions, something workable and practical, not too ambitious - but will raise the
quality of life now” should be a priority.
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Ryde High Street HOME
1
Join us on the journey
of transforming Ryde’s
town centre into a
popular space...
1.
Check out the first phase of the project at
northern and southern ends of the High Street
2.
See what’s still to come in later phases of the
project
3.
Understand the design principles
4.
Preview the vision for the two squares
5.
Tell us what you think
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Ryde High Street HOME
2
About the Ryde High Street Heritage Action Zone
The Ryde High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is a four year
programme, funded by Historic England, Ryde Town Council, and Isle of
Wight Council. Its aims are to regenerate Ryde High Street to create a
vibrant town centre destination for residents and visitors to spend time
in and enjoy. There will be an annual programme of cultural activities and
events, with new street furniture, street art and planting. The aim is to
reinvigorate pride in Ryde.
High Streets Heritage Action Zone
The £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone
programme, which is being delivered by Historic England, will unlock the
potential of high streets across England, fuelling economic, social, and
cultural recovery, encouraging people to say Hi! to the high street, and
breathe new life into it for future generations. More than 60 high streets
have been oered funding to give them a new lease of life.
The lead partners in each place (mostly local authorities) are working with
Historic England to develop and deliver schemes that will transform and
restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, work
places and community spaces, restoring local historic character and
improving public realm.
Working with Feria Urbanism
Feria Urbanism is a dynamic, award-winning design studio. We have been
appointed by the Ryde HAZ to support them in delivering change to Ryde
High Street. The team at Feria Urbanism delivers local change by making
community aspiration the foundation of our activities. This is enabling
and gives people a voice in the design of playful, multifaceted places that
enhance local ecologies and community life. We use a range of digital and
real life tactics to engage local knowledge, hopes, and collective dreaming.
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Ryde High Street
3
First Phase
1. First Phase
Where are we looking at?
The first phase of the project focuses on
Northern and Southern gateways of the
High Street as seen on the plan below:
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Ryde High Street
4
First Phase
Proposed improvements:
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Ryde High Street
5
First Phase
What do you think?
Would you change anything?
Northern Gateway
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Ryde High Street
6
First Phase
What do you think?
Would you change anything?
Southern Gateway
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Ryde High Street
7
Later Phases
2. Later Phases
Where are we looking at?
Later phases of the project will focus on
three central areas of the High Street;
Co-op Square, Minghella Square, and the
space between the two squares on the
High Street.
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Ryde High Street
8
Later Phases
So far we have…
Defined the areas in focus with the Town Council and HAZ
Talked with people on the High Street and in the squares to gain a beer
understanding of current use of space and opinions on what is important
for the future of these spaces.
Held a workshop and meeting at the Scout Hut for people to voice their
opinions and generate ideas.
Using the insight gained, Feria Urbanism have created design concepts
and presented them to the Town Council and HAZ.
What you can do now
The design concepts have been developed and are now available for you
to see and feedback on via this website.
So take a look around, start by finding out about the design principles
before seeing how they translate to the new town vision.
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Ryde High Street
9
Design Principles
3. Design Principles
What are we aiming for?
Before we present you with bespoke ideas for Ryde, let us introduce
some key concepts and case studies that have proven to be successful
approaches in other towns and high streets across the world. The
schemes below feature interactive street furniture, paerned paving
and playful elements to create a vibrant public realm and enrich the
experience of a public place at the human level.
Paerned street paving which transformed a gloomy
environment between apartment blocks into a place with
identity, creating a social public space in Barcelona, Spain
Human interaction born from the colourful benches at Jissen
Women’s University, Tokyo
Transformation of a marginal space at the edge of a roadway
into a vibrant and green active place creating an environment
for interaction and play in Hadera, Israel
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Ryde High Street
10
Design Principles
Interactive street furniture encouraging children to
play and facilitating social interaction in Kings Crescent
redevelopment, Hackney, London
A new town development with a distinctive identity, integrated
with children’s play zones in Zhengzhou, China
‘The Shower of Lights’ which uses sunlight to transform the
transparent acrylic panels into colourful buerflies, serving as
a playground for kids in Nanchang Kan River District, China
Contemporary landscape play installation which uses joyful
vibrant colours in a playable landscape intervention in
Moscow, Russia
A spatially coherent and green open space connecting two
plazas, creating a distinct urban identity in
Hamburg, Germany
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Ryde High Street
11
Design Principles
A Healthy and Inclusive Town Centre
The social and economic success of town centres is conditional on it
being a place where people feel happy, safe, welcomed, included, valued
and comfortable. It needs to be a place in which they will spend time and
money and want to return to.
A healthy town centre is a space in which all members of the community
feel safe, welcome and are able to be themselves. Good urban design can
successfully bring together the elements necessary to create places that
enable people to feel safe and happy, take care of themselves, socialise,
feel included, participate, take part, voice dissent, have agency and not
feel inhibited.
Key interventions for Ryde High Street that would express the principle
of the healthy town centre would involve creation of an excellent quality
public realm including at the town squares and creating places for people
to meet and gather. Outdoor spaces should be flexible so they can be
used for dierent types of events, and they should include street furniture,
details and features that are convivial and social.
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Ryde High Street
12
Vision for the Two Squares
4. Vision for the Two Squares
Our vision for Ryde High Street is to create great
spaces that encourage social activity and facilitate…
Public Events
Social Gatherings
Storytelling
Saturday night
drinks
Play
A kiss
Dancing
Festivals
Markets and Fairs Entertainment
Filming Saturday morning
coee
Live Music Seasonal Events Social Media Celebrations
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Ryde High Street
13
Vision for the Two Squares
Town (Co-Op) Square
Town Square is the larger of the two squares that this project focuses on.
It lies adjacent to the High Street and Anglesea Street, with Co-Op facing
out onto it. The square is currently comprises metal seating with a few
trees scaered throughout and the memorial to Ryde Hospital at
the far end.
The proposed concept design incorporates the following features:
• an outdoor flexible performance space
• interactive street furniture that promotes social interaction and
encourages play
• outdoor seating from cafes or restaurants that face out into the square
• retention of the existing trees and incorporation of more trees and
greenery where possible
• a unique paving design that incorporates Ryde’s links to film.
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Ryde High Street
14
Vision for the Two Squares
What do you think?
Would these changes
make a beer square?
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Ryde High Street
15
Vision for the Two Squares
Minghella Square
The smallest of the two squares we are focusing on, Minghella Square lies
just o High Street, adjacent to John Street. It currently comprises plain
metal seating and two planters.
The proposed concept design incorporates the following features:
• interactive street furniture that promotes social interaction and
encourages play
• outdoor seating from cafes or restaurants that face out into the square
• retaining t he existing trees and incorporating more trees and greenery
where possible
• a unique paving design that incorporates Ryde’s links to film as
detailed below.
What do you think?
Wouldyou change
anything?
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Ryde High Street
16
Vision for the Two Squares
Minghella and Film Influences in Ryde
Following the on-site consultation work in Ryde High Street, Town Square and Minghella
Square in December 2021, a recurring theme captured by the team was that more was
needed to be done to celebrate the links to Anthony Minghella CBE.
Minghella was a British film director, playwright, and screenwriter, born in Ryde with his
family being well known on the island. He was chair of the board of Governors at the
British Film Institute between 2003 and 2007 and a multi time Academy Award, BAFTA
and Golden Globe Award winnern.
The team noted that a steady walk between Town Square and Minghella Square took
exactly 60 seconds. This sparked an idea for an opportunity for an “outdoor film school”
in which participants can create “one minute movies”.
Young people oen feel excluded from high streets, with them oen lacking in places to
hang out or things to do. By describing/designing this central section of the Ryde High
Street as a place for creativity, film-making and for young people, we invite young people
to take a more active and participatory role, using Instagram, You Tube and TikTok to
combine the physical environment with this youth-focussed digital environment. This
space should become multi-functional with use by various demographic groups and could
have buy-in from local arts organisations or Ryde Film Club.
The design of the space at Town Square and Minghella Square, and along the stretch of
High Street between them, should be a “blank canvas” for film creation, providing the
objects necessary to create a dormant “empty stage set” with local people activating the
space. They can act out and produce one minute movies in this stretch of town which are
then uploaded to a dedicated website. Permanent or temporary projectors installed in
Town Square or Minghella Square could then be used for regular public film screenings.
These events can bring people together and generate social interaction. Local cafes
could provide food and drinks, and public film screenings could become a regular event to
bring the community together and celebrate Ryde’s links to film.
The above images display initial ideas for paving or sections of paving related to the film
theme which could cover parts of Minghella and Town Square and High Street to create a
coherent and playful street design and link Ryde High Street to its film influences.
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Ryde High Street
17
Vision for the Two Squares
Connecting High Street
What do you think?
Wouldyou change anything?
The proposed concept design not only focuses on improving two key
public squares on the High Street, but the public realm between these
squares. Interventions proposed here include paving and street furniture
of the same style as proposed in Town and Minghella squares, to create a
coherent High Street environment with a distinct identity.
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Ryde High Street
18
Feedback
5. Feedback
Share your thoughts on Phase 1 (the gateways)
and Phase 2 (the squares)
Phase 1
Phase 2
The proposed vision will improve the Northern Gateway
Of the social activities shown, which are the most important to you?
Please circle the words.
The proposed vision will improve the Southern Gateway
The proposed materials for the Northern and Southern Gateways will work well
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Agree
Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
Public Events
Social Gatherings
Storytelling
Saturday night
drinks
Play
A kiss
Dancing
Festivals
Markets and Fairs Entertainment
Filming Saturday morning
coee
Live Music Seasonal Events Social Media Celebrations
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Ryde High Street
19
Feedback
What activities have we missed?
My feelings about the proposed improvements are:
Co-op Square
Minghella Square
Connecting the two squares
Do you agree with the proposed use of materials and street furniture?
In summary I think that...
What do you think is a good idea? What else would you like to see? What don’t you agree with?
Your name:
Your email address:
Thank you
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Agree
Agree
Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
E - 37
We will be working together as a group to
test ideas. We want to hear from you about
the proposed improvements.
THANK YOU
for signing up to the Ryde High Street Project Walking Tour
This is your opportunity
to shape and influence
the dra proposals for
Ryde High Street
The interactive session aims to collectively
investigate and re-imagine the High Street
for future generations.
Your date and time is Thursday 7th July 2022 at 2pm
Please meet for your session at Town Square, outside
the Co-Op main entrance.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your thoughts and
ideas are important
E - 38
We will be working together as a group to
test ideas. We want to hear from you about
the proposed improvements.
THANK YOU
for signing up to the Ryde High Street Project Walking Tour
This is your opportunity
to shape and influence
the dra proposals for
Ryde High Street
The interactive session aims to collectively
investigate and re-imagine the High Street
for future generations.
Your date and time is Thursday 7th July 2022 at 6pm
Please meet for your session at Town Square, outside
the Co-Op main entrance.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your thoughts and
ideas are important
E - 39
We will be working together as a group to
test ideas. We want to hear from you about
the proposed improvements.
THANK YOU
for signing up to the Ryde High Street Project Walking Tour
This is your opportunity
to shape and influence
the dra proposals for
Ryde High Street
The interactive session aims to collectively
investigate and re-imagine the High Street
for future generations.
Your date and time is Thursday 19th July 2022 at 2pm
Please meet for your session at Town Square, outside
the Co-Op main entrance.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your thoughts and
ideas are important
E - 40
We will be working together as a group to
test ideas. We want to hear from you about
the proposed improvements.
THANK YOU
for signing up to the Ryde High Street Project Walking Tour
This is your opportunity
to shape and influence
the dra proposals for
Ryde High Street
The interactive session aims to collectively
investigate and re-imagine the High Street
for future generations.
Your date and time is Thursday 19th July 2022 at 6pm
Please meet for your session at Town Square, outside
the Co-Op main entrance.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your thoughts and
ideas are important
E - 41
