HISTORIC England has supported the regeneration of Newport, Ryde and East Cowes — but said the towns had to work together for it to succeed.

It highlighted several issues that needed to be addressed — 'problem buildings' such as Ryde Town Hall and the Royal York Hotel, the landslip at East Cowes, and masterplans for Newport Harbour and Ryde Esplanade.

In a report published today (Monday), after members of Historic England visited the Island in June, the organisation has made a number of recommendations to help restore and build on the Isle of Wight's 'remarkable' architecture.

It follows the publication of the Isle of Wight Council's regeneration strategy, aimed at breathing new life into the Island's towns and communities, and the news Newport and Ryde had been awarded funding from the Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zones.

Ryde has been awarded £480,000 and Newport £700,000. The bids used information based on the Historic England report, prior to today's official publication.

A Historic England spokesperson said the bids were outstanding, which 'may have been a result of the panel's guidance.'

Members of the Historic Places Panel were invited to the Island to offer advice on proposals for the towns as a key focus of regeneration on the Island, and consider how successful they thought the proposals might be in terms of sustaining the 'historic environment.'

Recommendations for Ryde include the urgent development of a strategy targeting high-profile problem buildings in the town — with top priority given to the town hall, followed by the Royal York Hotel.

They also include producing a masterplan for the Esplanade, reducing the amount of traffic, promoting walking and cycling and looking at the possibility of relocating the bus station away from the seafront.

Continual growth of the Medina Valley was a key recommendation for East Cowes regeneration, as well as dealing with the landslip along the Esplanade.

The council should develop a landscape-led plan for the Newport Harbour area, but look at building repairs along the High Street and reducing the amount of traffic in and around the town centre, it recommended.

As a wider issue, the Historic Places Panel pointed out the need for the towns to work together rather than in competition.

Panel chair Peter Studdert said: “It was a delightful visit and we were really interested and impressed by how engaged local community groups are with the Isle of Wight Council’s regeneration plans.

"The communities have a vital role to play in helping to shape the Island’s future prospects by working with the council and each other.”

Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: “Along with our town council partners we are delighted to be able to tap into the expertise available from Historic England in addressing our ambitions for the future of our high streets on the Island.

"The heritage high street fund announcement is a major boost to realising the value of the fantastic hidden heritage in Newport and Ryde.”