Major plans to redevelop Red Funnel's Isle of Wight car ferry terminal — and build a hotel, homes and waterfront retail — have gone to public consultation.

The ferry firm is looking to redesign three existing sites in East Cowes: Phoenix Yard, Trinity Yard and Redux Yard.

A four-week long consultation has launched today (Monday), for Islanders to have their say.

The company has said the plans, which are revised, seek to minimise existing traffic congestion from the town centre.

Read more: Isle of Wight Red Funnel East Cowes terminal future plans

Proposals, dubbed Red Funnel Port, could see ferry traffic embarking and disembarking via Well Road, rather than York Avenue.

The terminal building is proposed to move closer to the town centre, which Red Funnel hopes will simplify the check-in process and remove existing confusion when accessing the floating bridge and the terminal building.

Here's how to have your say on Red Funnel's waterfront masterplan
 

Accessibility will also be improved, the firm said, with new gangways and waiting areas for people with additional requirements.

A mixed-use development comprising of homes, a hotel, and retail spaces will look to provide economic growth for the local area, as well as creating a waterfront offering that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, the consultation adds.

Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel said: “We are proud that our port at East Cowes is a gateway to the Isle of Wight and are very conscious that alongside providing a lifeline service, we provide a welcome for locals and visitors alike.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel has launched a consultation on plans to redevelop its East

“It’s essential that our operations remain resilient and meet the future needs of the communities and customers we serve. Over the last 12 months we have rigorously reviewed our plans and designs to make sure they provide the strongest outcome for East Cowes and the Island. 

"We know how important it is to build resilience whilst enhancing the overall look of the waterfront and are ensuring that our plans to improve our marshalling facilities and access to our terminal aligns with the vision the Island strives to convey to visitors arriving from the mainland.

“We’re keen to gather the thoughts of the local community and are excited to present our plans during this consultation. We’re welcoming as much feedback as possible to help develop our plans, so I would encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.”

The first round of project consultation has opened and will close on Sunday, July 23.

Red Funnel said it will then look to host a second phase of engagement with the community and stakeholders in the autumn.