A new affordable housing project is underway in Ryde High Street.

The development, led by Aspire Ryde and supported by the Isle of Wight Council, aims to provide affordable housing for residents, including veterans at risk of homelessness.

Scheduled to welcome its first residents next June, the project will convert the upper two floors of Aspire’s building into seven self-contained studio and one-bedroom flats.

The ground floor will continue to host the ARCH Community Hub and shop. The project is part of the Island’s first round of community-led housing initiatives.

Aspire has secured funding from various sources, including the council, Charity Bank, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust, and the B&Q Foundation.

The council's community-led housing officer, John Prickett, has played a key role in supporting Aspire to purchase and repurpose the building.

Aspire will also offer tenancy support to help residents transition to permanent housing.

The flats are being designed by local firm Arid Design Ltd, with DN Associates Limited serving as the building contractor.

Councillor Ian Stephens, said: "We’re excited that we’re finally able to start work on this important, Community-Led Housing project in partnership with Aspire Ryde.

"We recognise the issues facing the Island and remain absolutely committed to the delivery of affordable housing.

"We hope developments such as this will encourage more Community-Led Housing schemes to come forward and help us to provide the affordable homes we so desperately need for Islanders."

Trevor Nicholas, chief executive of Aspire Ryde, said: "We are thrilled to have got to this point with the project and are extremely grateful to John Prickett and the Isle of Wight Council, alongside Charity Bank and other grant funders for their support and commitment to providing homes for those in the greatest need.

"It is fantastic to see Community-Led Housing taking shape here and we hope that this will act as a catalyst for other projects across the Island. We are so looking forward to welcoming our first residents."

Aspire Ryde is a charitable organisation with a focus on community development and support.