The Isle of Wight Council has sought to quash talk of possible setbacks and delays with the multi-million pound Ryde Interchange project.

There had been suggestions that the scheme would need to be finished by the end of March, or Government funding may be pulled.

And while those conditions may affect schemes nationally, the council has said it should not impact ongoing work on the Esplanade.

Ryde Interchange is partly funded by the Government's Transforming Cities Fund, but is also backed by 'partner contributions'.

The original conditions of the Government funding state projects (nationally) should by completed by the end of March 2023.

Isle of Wight County Press:

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “Many other authorities have requested extensions of time and the Department for Transport is considering an extension of time for the south sub-region.

“On the Island, the grant funding element of the project will have been spent within the original funding window, with the remaining works being funded by partner contributions.

What is Ryde Interchange?

Ryde Interchange is a major scheme with the aim of 'providing better travel connectivity and a much-improved public space' in Ryde.

The scheme costs £10 million, and is primarily funded by the Government grant.

The Esplanade transport hub will be reorganised to provide more landscaped pedestrian space, reflecting on responses received at a public consultation last year.

Read more: Ryde Interchange plans met with resistance from businesses 

This change will allow buses to leave directly to George Street, rather than turning at the Dover Street roundabout.

The project is being delivered in three phases: Bus Interchange and Active Travel links, Tramway pier reinstatement, and Station refurbishment.

When will it be finished?

The toilets at Western Gardens have been demolished and new access roads have been installed to Ryde Pier.

Read more: Ryde toilets to be demolished but fears over temporary loos

Work is currently ongoing at Ryde Bus Station.

No exact date has been given for the completion of the project.

However, the council has said it hopes it will be finished by the end of spring.