April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.1 Shaping Newport Place Plan
Written by Arc Consulting Isle of Wight Ltd Commissioned by: Isle of Wight Council Regeneration Newport Parish Council Newport Business Association April 2018
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.2 Contents
• Objectives • Background Data • Place Standard Methodology • Numerical Results • Consultation / Text Results • Topic Frequency • Quotes • Key Issues • Core Work Programmes – DNA • Framework for Delivery • Recommended Actions • Destination • Navigation • Association • First Steps • Newport Horizon
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.3 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.4 Objectives
A Place Plan for Newport was commissioned by Newport Parish Council, Newport Business Association, and the Isle of Wight Council.
It was intended to deliver:
• Better perception of trust and commitment by residents and commerce
• Public awareness of the new (IWC) regeneration programme and its aims
• A better understanding of local issues to help shape future service delivery and a more co-ordinated way of working with the resources available
• New, mutually beneficial, partnership ways of working between the Newport Area and the Council
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.5 Newport (town and parish) - a short gazetteer
• 7 WARDS, 16 LSAOs (Lower Super Output Areas), 25,000 population • Parish area 20 sq miles, 14% total IW land surface • Parish budget 2018/19 £369,641 • Urban centre 1.5sqm, 50% protected for its built environment. • Parish is 90% rural
• Register of assets - • 3840 acres of nationally important landscape • 350 listed buildings and monuments • 2 National Cycleways • A castle and a minster • A town centre with a rateable value of £4M • 3 Roman villas • 30 pubs • 3 rivers • 4 theatres and cinemas • The Island’s largest Country Park • An internationally famous music festival • The Island’s largest forest • 65 restaurants, cafes and takeaways • The Island’s only Field Studies Centre • 20 schools, colleges and learning centres • A 13th Century town with an intact Medieval street layout • 25 civic service centres (council offices, emergency • 50 protected wildlife areas services, clinics and surgeries etc.) • The source of 35% of the Island’s drinking water
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.6 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.7 The Preferred Commercial Choice
Even though Newport is not the main source of industrial space, it is the first choice for employers when selecting an employment location. Newport dominates the Island’s supply of office space.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.8 All roads lead to Newport, especially at rush hour
• Data taken from the 2011 census shows the striking concentration of Island commuter journeys into Newport town centre. • Pressure on road infrastructure and traffic management systems will intensify as Island cars increase by a projected 1000 per annum.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.9 The Island’s parking centre
Source IW Parking Strategy 2016 23% of IWC parking provision via 5 short stay (red) and 5 long stay (blue) car parks
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.10 The Island’s employment centre
Newport has a concentration of the sectors that dominate Island employment:
• Health and Social Work • Retail • Food and Accommodation • Education • Public Administration
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.11 The nature of that employment is predominantly lower wage service sector with consequent issues of insecurity.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.12 The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) shows concentration of socio-economic stress in a southern belt across the town, Pan, Barton, St. Johns, Mount Joy.
Newport has 5 of the most deprived LSOAs on the Island, and 2 of the least
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.13 These stresses are common to younger and older age groups across the parish, with particular concentrations around Pan.
Deprivation indices for children Deprivation indices for older people
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.14 Newport Summarised Newport is characterised by mismatch: • The largest sub-county unit on the Isle of Wight • between its built, natural and human resources • The largest Island student population, the youth and its socio-economic performance centre of the Island • between its extensive and predominantly rural • The centre of employment and the driver of IW hinterland and its concentrated urban core GDP • between its areas of nationally significant • The centre of healthcare, education and public deprivation and adjacent affluence decision-making • between its identity as civic and political centre • The centre of banking and legal services and its lack of identity as county capital
• The capital of the Island
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.15 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.16 The Place Standard Survey - ‘Shaping Newport’
• The Place Standard was selected to assess Newport.
• The Place Standard is a “tool that is used to assess the quality of a place. It can assess places that are well established, undergoing change, or still being planned. The tool can also help people to identify their priorities for a particular place.”*
• Shaping Newport produced the following results:
• 1805 online surveys, 1372 fully completed
• 433 paper surveys from events and local shops/cafes
• Strong overall match with Newport’s demographic but with a spike at 45- 64:
• Under 24 10.5% vs 11.4%
• 25-44 28.9% vs 26.9%
• 45-64 45.4% vs 26.1%
• Over 65 14.1% vs 16.7%
*https://www.placestandard.scot
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.17 moving Place Standard around influence and 7 public sense of control 4.5 transport Numerical Results 6 5 1 care and 5 traffic maintenance and parking 4 4 3 • The modal averages: most commonly selected response 3
feeling 2 streets safe 5 4 and spaces • 7= little room for improvement 1 • 1 = much room for improvement 0
identity 3 3 natural space and belonging
3 4 play and social contact recreation 4 4 3 facilities housing and amenities work and April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.18 local economy Place Standard Results
Q1. Can you easily walk and cycle around using Q2. Does public transport meet your needs? good-quality routes? 7 8% 7 6% 6 12% 6 9% 5 17% 5 22% 4 15% 4 22%
3 14% 3 18%
2 11% 2 12%
1 9% 1 16%
DON'T KNOW 2% DON'T KNOW 7%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.19 Place Standard Results
Q3. Do traffic and parking arrangements allow Q4. Do buildings, streets and public spaces people to move around safely and meet the create an attractive place that is easy to get community’s needs? around?
7 2% 7 3%
6 6% 6 7%
5 14% 5 15%
4 19% 4 21%
3 21% 3 21%
2 18% 2 17%
1 19% 1 14%
DON'T KNOW 2% DON'T KNOW 2%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.20 Place Standard Results
Q5. Can you regularly experience good-quality Q6. Can you access a range of space with natural space? opportunities for play and recreation?
7 5% 7 3%
6 9% 6 8%
5 18% 5 15%
4 17% 4 21%
3 19% 3 19%
2 16% 2 16%
1 11% 1 11%
DON'T KNOW 3% DON'T KNOW 8%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.21 Place Standard Results
Q7. Do facilities and amenities meet your Q8. Is there an active local economy and the needs? opportunity to access good-quality work?
7 5% 7 2%
6 14% 6 4%
5 19% 5 11%
4 21% 4 18%
3 17% 3 23%
2 13% 2 18%
1 9% 1 16%
DON'T KNOW 3% DON'T KNOW 8%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.22 Place Standard Results
Q9. Do the homes in Newport support the Q10. Is there a range of spaces and needs of the community? opportunities to meet people?
7 3% 7 4%
6 7% 6 10%
5 16% 5 14%
4 22% 4 20%
3 18% 3 22%
2 12% 2 13%
1 9% 1 9%
DON'T KNOW 14% DON'T KNOW 8%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.23 Place Standard Results
Q11. Does Newport have a positive identity Q12. Do you feel safe in Newport? and do you feel you belong? 7 9% 7 5% 6 19% 6 8% 5 21% 5 12% 4 18% 4 19%
3 14% 3 21%
2 10% 2 15%
1 15% 1 8%
DON'T KNOW 5% DON'T KNOW 3%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.24 Place Standard Results
Q13. Are buildings and spaces well cared for? Q14. Do you feel able to take part in decisions and help change things for the better? 7 1% 7 3% 6 7% 6 4% 5 15% 5 11% 4 23% 4 17%
3 21% 3 17%
2 16% 2 18%
1 13% 1 24%
DON'T KNOW 4% DON'T KNOW 7%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.25 Place Standard Results
How often do you visit Newport? (on average) What are your main reasons for visiting Newport?
DAILY 46% GENERAL SHOPPING 69%
WEEKLY 41% FOR BUSINESS / WORK 39%
FOR FOOD / DRINK / SOCIAL 38% TWICE PER MONTH 6%
TO VISIT A PARTICULAR SHOP 38%
ONCE PER MONTH 3% FOR RECREATION (EG CINEMA/HERITAGE 31% VISIT)
LESS THAN ONCE PER MONTH 4% OTHER 16%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.26 Place Standard Results
What is your age range?
I'D PREFER NOT TO ANSWER 0%
75 AND OVER 2%
65-74 12%
55-64 20%
45-54 26%
35-44 17%
25-34 13%
16-24 7%
UNDER 16 3%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.27 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.28 Topic frequency in text answers
• Comments from all sources were recorded and incorporated • 46 stakeholder discussions (e.g. Isle of Wight College, IWC into the final results and recommendations. officers, Vectis Housing, Southern Vectis, Island Roads, Joint Utility Group ) • In addition to the online and paper surveys, information was collected from public events, email and telephone contact • Over 15,000 comments were captured from approximately and 46 stakeholder groups, including: 3000 people (plus extended target group members
• The Christmas Fair consultation 2017 represented by stakeholders)
• 9 workshops and group sessions (e.g. Newport Parish • The comments were sorted and grouped by topic and Place Council, Newport clergy, Newport Business Association, Standard category Medina College Student Voice, Newport Night-time • The following tables demonstrate the frequency each topic Economy Group) was mentioned. Topics mentioned under 20 times are not shown or have been absorbed into broader categories.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.29 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency Identity and Belonging Negative comments about Newport (lack of pride) 971 Traffic and Parking Traffic - congested/not safe for pedestrians/potholes 894 Care and Maintenance Unclean/rundown/scruffy/no heart 751 Facilities and Amenities Shops/restaurants - more variety/quantity 707
Streets and Spaces Public realm - protect and enhance/more greenery/events/activities 626
Feeling Safe Feel unsafe mostly at night -bus station/lighting/asb/drinking 466 Streets and Spaces Empty/derelict buildings - fill them - make look better 430
Parking issues - more in town/more residential/more long-stay/provision for Traffic and Parking town workers/free out of town/better signage/less road parking in 409 /centre/hospital/schools. Pay on exit
Bus service inadequate/journeys too long/not enough stops/arrive late/finish Public Transport 320 too early/town centre service needed
Facilities and Amenities Independent/local shops - proper market/local produce 312
Table 1
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.30 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency
Influence and Sense of Planning/development concerns 308 Control
Streets and Spaces Town looks cheap - too many charity/betting/discount shops etc 284
Work and Local Economy Jobs - not enough variety/opportunities/full-time 283
Heritage/culture - protect and celebrate/enhance market town status/new Identity and Belonging 272 museums/heritage centres
Streets and Spaces Pedestrianisation/people priority over cars 270
Natural Space More green areas and trees, plants, flowers in town 265
Identity and Belonging Lack of community feel/identity 240
Walking and Cycling Cycle/foot paths - more/better/signage/lighting 237
Public Transport Buses are too expensive 219
Play and Recreation Play areas/parks more/revamp/Church Litten poor/indoor/signage 217
Table 2
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.31 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency
Facilities and Amenities Toilets - more/better/open 213 Traffic and Parking Parking - too expensive 210
Influence and Sense of Lack of ability to affect change 188 Control
Homes Social & affordable housing - buy & rent - more/better quality/bigger/help homeless 179
Walking about town is not easy - pavements uneven/broken/too Walking and Cycling 179 narrow/obstructions
Streets and Spaces More seating 160
Identity and Belonging Encourage exploration - better promotion /signage in/out of town/maps 159
Work and Local Economy Lower business rates - support economy/fill empty shops 156 Care and Maintenance Too much litter 152 Homes More housing - better quality 152 Table 3
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.32 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency Facilities and Amenities Indoor facilities - shopping/activities/shelters 150 Influence and Sense of Invest more 142 Control Traffic and Parking Free parking - 30/60mins/select days 136 Spaces and Opportunity to Social spaces - affordable/free- all ages etc 131 meet people
Facilities and Amenities National chains needed - Primark, Lakeland, John Lewis, Debenhams, mall 120
Feeling Safe Police - more visible/efficient 117 Spaces and Opportunity to Activities/workshops - more of – indoor & outdoor 110 meet people Identity and Belonging More events in the town - new traditions/culture/fun/all ages 109 Play and Recreation Facilities for older children/teens - outdoor/indoor - affordable/free 105 Disabled Access poor (broken pavements/obstructions/too few dropped curbs/ Streets and Spaces 98 narrow pavements) Table 4
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.33 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency
Walking and Cycling Junctions and crossings not safe esp for older/disabled 96
Feeling Safe Church Litten - intimidating, unfriendly, dirty, drinking, drugs 91
Care and Maintenance Dog poo - too much/more bins 90
Facilities and Amenities Supermarkets - too many (detract from the high street) 89
Streets and Spaces Pollution/air quality 88
Facilities and Amenities Need more GPs/Dentists/hospital appointments 79
Natural Space Closer links between town (people) and nature spaces 77
Facilities and Amenities Stop out-of-town development - focus on town centre 76
Traffic and Parking Park and Ride - need one 66
Traffic and Parking Bring back the railway 66 Table 5
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.34 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency
Care and Maintenance Bins/Recycling bins more of/emptied more often 62
Feeling Safe Lighting - more-improve safety 59
Facilities and Amenities Praise for Quay Arts - activities/arts/music/vibrant 58
Streets and Spaces County Hall building - eyesore 54
Traffic and Parking Lower speed limit 53
Traffic and Parking Traffic lights - too many/turn off at night/out of sync 52
Play and Recreation Sports facilities - more free/affordable 49
Streets and Spaces Harbour comments - concern as well as optimism 49
Homes Use spaces above shops for housing 42
Streets and Spaces More street art/sculptures in town/parks 42 Table 6
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.35 Topic frequency in the text answers
Mention Category Comment Frequency
Feeling Safe Bus station - unsafe/unpleasant 40
Streets and Spaces Smoking in open areas not healthy 36
Work and Local Economy Training/education improved/evenings/university 34
Public Transport Bus station is inadequate - too small/uncomfortable/not weatherproof 29
Walking and Cycling Cycle storage/stands 27
Table 7
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.36 From the thousands of individual comments and opinions we can find common themes and ideas and hopes for positive change…
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.37 Care and Maintenance - mentioned 1055 times Empty/derelict Murals in buildings are a empty shop windows A tidy and a Empty There are blight on the dynamic little shops look overflowing landscape Newport bins town sad There’s too …. it just all has no much litter heart shop owners should looks so grey More educational work with clean the pavements and young people to explain outside their unattractive! about litter and recycling Lots of dog fouling. premises Buildings are and wildlife. Empty shops look generally tired A lot of dirty It needs more There aren’t looking… does not scruffy shop greenery. enough look attractive fronts Generally, it Lots of dog recycling bins always seems to poop be fairly tidy! …the council work very hard See a lot of litter to maintain the parks, pity The road sweeper is around library, the vast majority of the amazing – we need Church Litten, bus Newport Town Centre is people constantly using them him all day station, takeaways. a disgrace, untidy with feel the right to litter and litter everywhere and it Newport is vandalise. Not enough looks like nobody cares scruffy A better mix of litter dog poo bins about it. bins in town might ….could do with face lift be beneficial A few tatty properties, Nothing in Newport looks cared for … too especially the shops Church Litten but on the whole it many empty shops buildings look tatty that are empty to at needs a good looks ok. the only good area is the Quay Arts least be kept looking Newport clean up. tidy needs some Centre Newport is TLC unclean
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.38 Facilities and Amenities - mentioned 1804 times add a youth cafe like Ryde, so that children will Have heard visitors local business give a get out more Newport is dying as town character rather saying how little Need more a town, as the main than all of the main there is to do in destination, high- shopping place on stream shops Newport quality shops that the island there is water Fountains in the are unique to the nothing there centre and in parks so Island that flasks can be filled More indoor We need helping reduce plastic shopping and eating better shops waste Street trading might Tell cafes that The town needs areas for when the create a bit more vegans are hungry good and open weather is bad community, food public toilets stalls … actually in town? art markets, like Newport needs 'art in the park' proper market to There are too many The market from some years showcase local Supermarkets – they detract is a from the high street Stop out-of-town ago produce disgrace development - focus better, safer and on town centre More Need more more inclusive We don’t want to variety of GPs/Dentists night economy loose services shops would be good from St Mary’s Regenerate the National chains harbour, building Shame the Indoor market run by needed - primark, on strengths like Apollo theatre local authorities to lakeland, John Quay Arts doesn't sell support local More affordable Lewis, Debenhams itself more business and employ indoor more local people activities
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.39 Feeling Safe - mentioned 773 times Too many groups hanging Safer then mainland around, around library/bus yes. But lighting is I don’t feel safe walking through stop. Often drinking and bad... Crime is on the at night the cctv and church litten in the evening/ dark noisy even in the day. increase. I no longer lighting is poor with because of the large numbers walk alone after dark. many areas that feel and/or drunks that can gather very intimidating threatening and there. especially for people intimidating with small children The bus station, Church Litten area is and elderly people there are areas that horrible when it's dark. Can be are safe and well terrible behaviour intimidating when gangs of teens or used there are other around bus station, arguing, fighting couples and drunk areas that at night library and Church I've had no people are hanging out there. time in particular I Once a reassuring Litten. people hanging problems safety would avoid presence in the town around wise. police officers/PCSOs are the language, loud music being now rarely seen. played, drinking and drug taking is I feel uncomfortable unacceptable. why do the police Newport was always visiting the park with not move them on? it is the worse a safe feeling place my young children thing about Newport. Sorry to say but recently things nowhere is safe for are changing! children and nature Street pastors are in Newport good plus day-time Too many yobs drinking Reports of blood and …the new street lights version and leaving rubbish in stabbing doesn't only light up the areas Church Litten and around encourage safe underneath not the road the library feeling! or pathways.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.40 Homes - mentioned 373 times Need inter- I feel Newport is generational, now very over- environmentally it would be nice to see developed, far perhaps, instead of just friendly and affordable A requirement for a affordable housing …. that too many houses. building on green housing wet hostel for the is well insulated and have spaces, the council homeless or good ecological should look into individuals with credentials properties that are drugs/alcohol issues. Housing is a massive problem on the Island. sitting empty Mortgage rates rising plus rent matched with I have a low incomes and lack of affordable housing. brilliant home I would have loved to loads of empty properties that remain in Newport if need dealing with before more more social housing There are a Don't take away any there had have been land is tied up with building needs to be built to wide range of more of our green adequate private rental hundreds of tiny so called replace the housing homes in the space. housing to meet my affordable properties stock sold of under right town. needs to buy Private rents too Houses look old There is always the expensive, asking for too big deposits. Not enough social and tired need for more housing, especially 1 & 2 affordable housing and Use empty space bedrooms. good quality rental Most gardens Building more houses above shops for properties. of limited size but do not cover accommodation Some private landlords don’t school places, doctors, look after their properties, no dentists and especially There is always the need for Resident one should live in damp poorly hospital needs more affordable housing to parking is an maintained houses and pay buy and good quality rental issue with large rents properties. many areas
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.41 Natural Space - mentioned 342 times Don't take away any the most nature more of our green seen is seagulls space Better access to the landscape in I have often thought what a which Newport sits would provide a shame it is that the town I walk through different perspective whether it is Having beautiful outdoor spaces, does not really promote it's Seaclose and Medina cycling in and out of Shide, walking up contact with nature would be a best natural feature - the Arboretum most St Georges Down or along the Lukely huge benefit to Newport, more river days valley or dog walking in Parkhurst enjoyable for visitors, holiday- makers, workers and better for older people and those less able Would like to see consideration for support a Bring the patchwork of biodiversity - for wildlife, in countryside into amenity planting palettes, more attractive viable the town so it is natural spaces no We need some good natural imaginative maintenance regimes part of our matter how tiny space with seating, not enough I like the flower that allow and encourage planting everyday nature development per se displays by local and wildlife rather than amenity experience grass etc. More green, even in businesses small ways More seating needed Make more of It would be nice to have in the parks, There is some great the river. environmental work Very little option for more natural spaces especially Litten. It is there if you happening at Coppins green space or where people could feel know where to Community Church. pleasant outdoor they have opportunities look to have contact with Green/Open space seating. nature. is severely limited More parks and More natural plants, such gardens as more as bee and butterfly kids live in there aren't really any maybe more seating, Create a pleasant friendly…..with signage newport and want spaces to play or to be often ruined by green space along the for people to identify the to get out in contact with nature traffic river animals
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.42 Play and Recreation - mentioned 371 times We use Church Litten a Church litten- well lot - it’s well maintained maintained, play park and there’s usually a Maybe an great for youngsters but Charging for car The young people need friendly crowd there. activity/ needs a water/splash play parking at Medina has more venues, how about Seaclose the same. nature trail area for summer stopped me going a really good climbing for kids swimming wall, develop a Not everyone can afford mountaineering club Parkhurst could do with a recreational park for all to join clubs so free Lack of indoor There’s not many places the children sport areas could be to go outside in the Open up good. spaces for young Carisbrooke High people to dance and winter or more soggy School sports hall there needs to be more parks and have fun weather. The play area in and Astro turf for open spaces and there needs to Church Litten public use be rain shelters because when it has seen a More activities for rains there isn’t much shelter in steady decline young/ teenagers We do need more We don't ever think of Newport over the last 7-8 attractive, challenging Newport as a place of years. play equipment to recreation - why bother? attract families to use there is quite a lot but There needs to be outdoor play areas most of them are for in flood lit football Spooks & Sparks at the summer so there I'd like to see an pitches/running Victoria Rec is a should be indoor play indoor skatepark track/hockey pitch etc success areas for children to play Desperately need 4 facility in Newport for teenagers and in the winter. anyone else to use G pitches for football somewhere. There is we have a climate that and hockey. huge demand for it requires indoor and We don’t use the more sport A BMX track linked with outdoor options. playpark often because facilities out side the cycleway – maybe of the rubbish and Where are these and in at a low temporary use of the old teenagers there. places? cost Hole in the Wall pub green?
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.43 Moving around - mentioned 539 times At least two more street Pedestrianised Pedestrian access lights are needed on the high street would through the bus path that connects St be more relaxing station could be There are walks around Mary’s Churchyard with Shopping in Newport for shoppers improved – it is Newport but you need Purdy Road in is an exhausting unsafe to be careful with Carisbrooke rather than regard to uneven exhilarating paving slabs people could explore the experience crossing the road open spaces or have a walk not enough seating, is hazardous along the river to Island The design of the too much priority more seating and Harbour if they knew where town must have a on transport attractive routes In general walking to aim for hierarchy routes through town pedestrians first, need to be made I work evenings and etc railings at High Street/St easier & continuous More and better use walking home in some James’ Street junction of lanes and alleys – places I've found not cause pedestrian It must appear Cockrams Yard enough street lighting very confusing congestion and impede Workers need places to sit to visitors flow at lunchtime and short walking routes to make We need more Priority to them more active during the there needs to be footpaths and cycle Signs to help pedestrians would break more space for routes with good people know what make the town far pushchairs signage and lighting is up each street more pleasant Some pavements are uneven making it hard with There aren't enough signposting to public spaces or a pushchair or wheelchair / cycle storage / the start of walks, when the mobility scooters. parking facilities should be a cycle hub coaches drop the holiday makers (like at Riverside) at (elderly) in town they mill It’s dangerous to cross the bus station around not knowing where to go the road and not very welcoming April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.44 Spaces and Opportunity to meet people - mentioned 241 times Not much to do for people who don’t More workshops for the drink more facilities for I am not aware of Creating covered spaces active elderly or those music/arts/or social spaces to meet new where people can meet who work meetings within the people, especially and relax in poor weather town centre They need Newport from different made into an enclosed backgrounds. Not enough of the right we never take friends to quadrant like Swansea - It is left to Newport's indoor meeting places for Newport - it's an A leisure centre like the churches to provide the young when the embarrassment and an LC2 where it caters for opportunities to meet in a weather gets bad eyesore. Need diversity, need families and people non-commercial setting to source local with all disabilities expertise Safe spaces for WOW Centre ( IoW Newport has no people with autism places for Women's Centre) is 'social heart' at all. different cultures a gem in this town More space – Strings is a great venue for this! Again, the library community space for Newport often with Quay Arts offers plenty of could be a focal for people to go free events and it options for young and old point. Quay Arts Some community spirit- inspires young people to but as for the rest of seem to have some but maybe more social Not many communal options play music Newport there is little good ideas. clubs would be nice and if there is then they are else poorly advertised. Would be great to If i want to meet to have What about open drop Modern dance lessons, art have a café within a coffee, light snack with in activity /creative Would love evening group for the young, the library or friends after work, there activity centre, classes to be more cheap music lessons for facilities there that is very limited options charges made should accessible, so many the young etc. More could be shared by other than a pub. be nominal classes, craft groups opportunities for busking different community etc meet in daytime on the streets and variety groups Most of the of music. indoor spaces are 'pay to stay' April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.45 Streets and Spaces - mentioned 2137 times As with the beach cleaning projects! Plastic Look at Newport as a More meanwhile Newport needs galleries free town attraction i.e. river /interim use of More or museums/indoor walks, outdoor eating spaces and shelters in shopping areas/ parks / A larger pedestrian space space where you can buildings the parks, gardens / theatre in the in the centre with picnic and make these streets and town centre bus station planters etc would bring things walkable Bring back an Not enough people architects family friendly department or hire Better use of areas for seating Always Prince Charles town square as a Convert Newport Quay Town centre or recreational interesting to social place bridge into a public regeneration centred on activities. walk around garden connecting pedestrian Newport because areas and providing a I love the more pedestrian livelier plaza style Newport has a wealth of architecture areas, different range Deliveries before 10am to atmosphere with small attractive and interesting of markets, more limit large vehicles in the traders and eateries public spaces and buildings. outside eating needed town There could be a better Public spaces story told about them. The to bring life back into the town need to be Mill Trail has attempted to better/welcoming/ Need a proper market do this, but there are loads for Full use of St Thomas with more local more opportunities. socialising/being Square as a fun/ vibrant businesses involved Public spaces could outdoors city space especially at Christmas so be managed more we don’t all go to When the river fest or imaginatively beer and buses events Better use of public space Southampton and spend Funding for local are on in Newport for for things like Christmas our money community groups example the place is markets and seasonal historic buildings not to take care of buzzing social events utilised or shown off to open spaces their full potential April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.46 More use of green Streets and Spaces - mentioned 2137 times walls & green roofs would improve things We should be looking at There is unrealised Newport as the most The public realm needs to potential in the It would be lovely cosmopolitan place on the There is a lack of be vastly improved and a squares, a regular to see a few more Island, instead it is dated pleasant, well bit of pride given back to program of events bright lights and and not really what Island tended green the historic market town. during the summer festive things in the residents and tourists spaces in the would be great. evening deserve as the Island's hub. centre of Town Too many empty The main problem I think is the A war on Litter shops and cheap traffic through the main The nice older Newport looks shabby and buildings in Newport is required poundland type and shopping areas, this really charity shops sad. county hall is an prevents any meaningful town risk being swamped by architectural disgrace scaping. A pedestrianised high cheap modern housing. and is the first thing seen I love Newport and I am always grateful to street with parking nearby would No thought given to when coming into the live near somewhere where almost every help. the look of the town. Newport. street or building is of some architectural interest or merit A lot of shop units I'd like to see more Public squares could are vacant and this A town manager could help planting, more care be so much nicer, but makes Newport feel too many charity shops shape the town. There doesn't taken to protect and need investment to impoverished. and coffee shops and too seem to be any one preserve its heritage create better plaza many empty buildings we organisation that's in control. and more links type atmospheres with don't need retail parks on There isn’t enough to Lots of 'bitty' things are between the centre of outdoor eatery’s etc the outside when the do in Newport, it can attempting to get off the town and the great centre is dying get boring when you ground but no one is pulling it green spaces, rivers go there often. together. etc on its doorstep.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.47 Streets and Spaces - mentioned 2137 times I think there could Making it more attractive would be more pedestrian be lovely: ie, introduction of only areas more colour to buildings, St Thomas Sq is a potential gem, and is a pavements & seating areas. good "place". St.James' Square has Poor quality new more art work/ greater potential to become the central buildings of no sculptures focus of the town, but is blighted by maybe a pedestrian Air quality feels poor. architectural merit. For around Newport example, Staples/ Cinema traffic movements. area in the centre Traffic too close to warehouse at the gateway with a route around pedestrians. it or a main shopping to Newport. I would like to see a larger pedestrian centre covering the too much area between Edinburgh woollen mill and high street area pollution from blacks - this would encourage a more Our town hub County Would be nice to have smoking and inclusive market, cafes and restaurants Hall is an eyesore and some flower beds etc and traffic. with pavement tables. gives a bad sculpture/art to look at representation of the Public spaces are Council, in the alleyways there uninspiring. Public art should be more lights Simplify and entertainment would Newport's generally easy on the eye as it is quite scary at regulation to help as would areas with and relatively pleasing to walk night and there should County Hall help things plenty of seating and around. Certain central roads could be more benches in complete eyesore. happen (Stop sociable space, safe for do with emphasising the pedestrian parks and fields so you The Georgian Stopping Things) children. over the car (an example of a more can sit in the summer properties and pedestrian-friendly street is the and winter Churches are upper high street, unfriendly is amazing and the lower St James street). I like Newport. It has some great architecture. It also has town is steeped in some abominable places, like the Cineworld edifice. History. Airborne Apart from being ugly and out of scale with the rest of pollution must More green spaces the town, it's ill-thought out for pedestrians. Try walking Town Squares have be monitored. with planting and on the 'path' in front of Maplin to Staples. It narrows improved thanks to seating. down to nothing, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road. NPC planting schemes.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.48 Public Transport - mentioned 568 times Good service & More interesting Bus station too small vehicles but bus stops in case I think every oap should pay The bus station often and stops too far out expensive as isn’t you have a long 50p per journey doing away feels intimidating and of town . always economical wait! with free travel, this would to get travel card unsafe Never use it - too help toward costs If a family is travelling More bus expensive, too together why not a family day stops unreliable and ticket covering 1/2 adults it is cheaper to When I do use it I needed routes are not travelling with up to four take the car think it's a good The seats and shelters in convenient children especially at [than the bus] service albeit the bus station are very weekends or during school expensive. poor. They offer no It’s unsafe at the bus holidays ….typical rural services shelter from the wind station….. someone (one bus every second and rain. could easily get run Tuesday when there's an Decrease the size of over 'r' in the month) Town bus - connecting the busses (this Positioning of bus stops park and ride facilities, allows them to use dangerous the college, hospital, less fuel) then reduce Not all bus stops are Camp Hill (when the the bus fares accessible The bus one way system council moves there) and Additional bus stops has caused more the industrial estate. within the central 'town' congestion in Newport then Would be useful to have area. could be a lot better, ever! needs to be put back some east and west wight cheaper and smaller to how it was before buses going directly to vehicles and better There are plenty of bus the hospital The owners of Newport Bus times routes but they end early in Station need to provide The buses I have used the evening and you can end public toilets, better have been very clean up riding a very circuitous Over priced, shelters, news of latest bus Bus station unsafe and the drivers very route around the Island to £2.50 if you movements and a better for pedestrians polite. arrive at your destination. need to go a queueing system couple of stops Buses are expensive but excellent April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.49 Traffic and Parking - mentioned 1886 times discourage taxi drivers from One way system is parking for hours in Nodehill complicated if you don’t it stops locals from stopping know the area (think I park at a supermarket Yet again, it's and parking and using local about tourists) and shop there, Coppins Bridge that golden opportunity for shops gearing the rest of my lets Newport down. a 'Staplers Bypass' was visit to the length of It's near the town's missed when the Pan There should be less road parking time allowed at the greatest asset, the extension was built in the centre to allow for safer supermarket River Medina and Lots of good places but the navigation/seating /flowers/trees the Quays. PARKING cost is a real etc. more charging hindrance Not enough affordable points & stations for Lots of traffic most of the parking for town workers electric vehicles time. Rather polluted in the so instead they park in Poor use of lanes along Pay on exit parking would town residential streets, Medina Way - why is increase browsing and annoying residents who right hand lane only for We need the railway social time Restricted parking means no cant park near their town centre when back to help remove time for browsing and 'leisure shopping' I consider this is houses. heading southbound? traffic and bring in 20 mph restrictions have starving the town of custom. more tourists. been shown to make things safer for pedestrians. …..motorists rush to The last Saturday of It must appear very navigate round small The High Street from the every month should be confusing to visitors. crowded back streets junction with Mill Street to free to park it’s payday Return Trafalgar Road to 2 One way systems and making it all seem Coppins Bridge, and St James' or close to it for most way-traffic and open up St. signage not easy to shambolic and Square should be people it would Thomas's Square to traffic follow. dangerous pedestrianised. Reason: killer encourage them to shop again to reduce congestion fumes from motor vehicles. in Newport at Coppins Bridge. Eliminate red bus/taxi lanes Expensive parking to Traffic doesn’t need to to increase traffic capacity A Park and Ride would much traffic, do more than 10mph / reduce congestion really help – especially for pedestrian high street a down the high street Pedestrianise the those people working in High Street as a Need better bypass and a park and town priority carpark signage ride would help! April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.50 Work and Local Economy - mentioned 473 times NHS needs to embrace Too many of our the apprenticeship gifted young people Employment schemes for nursing and leave for university The Island job market is pretty Restricted for job offering quality other professions, to give and do not return. limited compared with the opportunity. Need opportunities on young people careers immediate South Coast. The more than the Island is poor. supermarkets and demographic counts for much of why not make bargain shops this - young professional types business rates more Recruitment of Not many local will leave, and the only way to affordable in the professionals in employers offer work change that is to have a early years of trading health, education experience for college university (or offshoot of one) so that people are The college offers and public service is students on the Island able to establish their good practical problematic. courses for young business? people but how many Better employment We are educated to hairdressers/ opportunities in degree/masters standard but beauticians does the Only one job centre skilled work with just are not the opportunities Lack of evening Island need ? out of town with very training limited parking to utilise experience and skills courses at the collage and have recently had to for those wishing to Limited permanent work having an employment accept a career on minimum obtain more skills available, seasonal There is in no strategy that focuses on pay and standards whilst working - positions or part time way a sufficient encouraging higher tech plumbing, brick work is what most have range of jobs. start-ups by linking with laying, electrics, the college carpentry etc. to settle for some staff at dss need There is no further training in how to speak education for Too many empty shops to people and not treat Not enough help for people adults. now in Newport and too unemployed people as who are transitioning There is little in the many supermarkets that they are beneath them way of any between jobs to access have impact on local necessary training. professional small businesses opportunities.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.51 Identity and Belonging - mentioned 1751 times No identity The island is a stunning and or vision beautiful place but Newport is Have lived in Newport a very And I'd rather live here too corporate the bus station is No celebration of long time but don't know than pretty much not in keeping with the style of Newport’s people in the community as anywhere on the the island mainland heritage well as when I was younger There are no festive Newport’s old activities like a buildings are not There is no support the cultural institutions market, fayre etc being protected charm, it’s very and avoid erosion of built and concrete natural heritage by opportunistic No atmosphere development roads dominate and Newport has lost for late-night and the main thing to landmarks or features all trace of its Christmas do there is shopping fade as a result shopping bleak, depressing town-not Market Town roots dissimilar to other high The first retailers feel very streets. There is no originality we don’t celebrate impression is that Lack of respect segregated - there are -apart from the Nodehill area our communities the town looks for community two ends of town with enough scruffy areas a swathe of chain There’s no centre to the The public realm needs to be stores in the middle! Lacking town community vastly improved and a bit of 'traditions’ Newport when I was growing pride given back to the historic up was great, beautiful old Lack of community Lots of 'bitty' things are market town buildings, the market place activities involving attempting to get off the (demolished), open plan bus all ages/races etc. ground but no one is The town is ugly & station, now dangerous to pulling it together dying!!!! use…. Not enough I am unaware of events anything celebrating our There could also be a monthly culturally I don't think Newport town and Island food market, antiques and art significant about has its own identity or culture fairs and regular music slots Newport brand and community around the Minster spirit suffers as a result
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.52 Identity and Belonging - mentioned 1751 times more colour to buildings, pavements Decorations, a central large bunting, flags, lights, community Christmas was alive; attractive signage centre type Businesses to festoon lighting More building could be Meet and great sponsor benches, everywhere, carol opportunities good for visitors Hand painted maybe schools singing in the for busking on street signage - could be involved square, late night the streets and in designing them the isle of wight shopping variety of Use empty the kids may take Create a town has so many music buildings for more pride then 'tradition’ with an talented artists event in the spring, and crafts community summer & autumn people projects if We need a really good empty for too museum in Newport!! See Camp hill Prison long the Isle of Man for an should be turned Keep the character, keep it example - I think the into a museum and unique & not like every museum building could be celebrate the Island other town in the uk! Dress much more used than it is history with coffee it up with more floral and could create a very shop and indoor play arrangements, encourage Go in to schools and get good Island focus area all year round tourism, make people want ideas on how to improve to visit! things, get young and old Living and to work together on working here Create town centre ideas, create a sense of Extend the use of the can be manager post to run Community as community, make people library and local amazing, tell series of initiatives to ambassadors – feel that they are worthy school facilities for that story! raise general conditions friendly, litter to help community groups to in town centre and picking etc access promote street artists
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.53 Identity and Belonging - mentioned 1751 times
We need a youth The Guildhall could be Remove emphasis on The carnival Newport needs its own magazine and a developed for culture cars and raise the needs identity such as Brighstone 60+ magazine and demonstrate public realm updating host xmas tree festival - some Civic Pride Chillerton Scarecrow festival Yarmouth old The town could be a hub of art, Use smart gaffers etc music, & culture with live Empty shops technology entertainers/buskers/up market could do with Carisbrooke Castle is stalls; general activity having art facades under used and throughout the day and early to disguise them should be a focal evening Ryde has blue signs point for seasonal Retain the depicting their town and events all year round Landmarks & Victorian image Identify communities - beach welcoming their with pop ice-skating history should be the island depends use the correct names visitors, Cowes has a rink, market etc celebrated upon! for places / localities yacht welcoming theirs, (floodlit at night). Newport has nothing Maybe a council initiated 'Brighten up Quay street to be used as a Newport' campaign further link from the high street would be a start. The authority must work with to include specialist exhibitions Use media to advertise I youth groups, big business, and a quality market plus full use Heart Newport market on charities and government of the street during the Christmas Encourage exploration of Fridays and incentives to funding (perhaps with a period with links to Watchbell the town to signs, maps and get more local recognition of need) to change Lane with a Victorian feel trails – help people discover produce/craft markets attitudes towards the town shops, restaurants and heritage
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.54 Influence and Sense of Control - mentioned 638 times A person to take Make the responsibility to be the face I don't honestly, Not sure my There hasn't been community of change that people can think anyone will participation will anything till now for matter engage with and understand take any notice of make a difference, the public to air their there is a consistent point of any of anything I but it feels good to views as much contact have written vent Thank God I have a superb councillor We are always or I'd never get Exhibitions of plans in trying to effect encourage heard the town centre, The community change but are residents to council meetings functions better normally viewed attend more Don't know reported on via On the when working with as a nuisance meetings when how to be Wight, the County Press the decision makers town decisions listened to rather than being I'd happily join a are being made …opportunities like told what will there are common focus group or this survey are good, happen issues we can all similar if I knew think they should be Local church groups, agree on, and where to find done more often so schools and community having a joint one! everyone has the groups also need to be voice is stronger The group [Medina opportunity to heard by the council than one individual College] would be comment prepared to help It would be If it looks like those practically with amazing if I felt projects in the town in charge care public meetings my opinion This is our (such as making and others start to too There will be no need to be run mattered Newport, how putting up the regeneration, just a to be more can we suggestion boxes). no nobody has ever lot more paperwork worthwhile contribute? asked me ……it is always and box ticking for my parents that get civil servants and We all want asked bureaucrats feel we make a Active difference listening
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.55 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.56 Key Issues The scored and written responses, interview and meeting • Newport is considered a safe place to visit in the round, notes, and workshop sheets together point to a set of but with a significant number of individually negative particular issues that characterise life and work in Newport experiences at specific locations and at specific times. from the perspective of those participating in the project: • Newport’s public transport is thought of favourably in the • Newport is losing its identity. The lack of care and purpose round, but with a significant number of individually that has consequently set in is diminishing its engagement negative opinions regarding price and the level of with the people who live and work there, its offer to engagement with public and community service. visitors, its appeal to investors, and its capacity to offer • Newport’s public realm has become anonymous. diverse employment and opportunities for enterprise. • And yet Newport, in its town and parish, has extraordinary • Newport is sometimes not a comfortable or pleasant time-depth, natural and cultural assets and narratives old place to explore as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, and new. because there is no system or arrangement for safe sharing of its street space nor meaningful or helpful organization • Once again we can say that Newport is characterised by of its parking, its resting or meeting places. mismatch, between its natural, cultural and social capital and the satisfaction, wellbeing and opportunity it offers its • Newport is losing the diversity of its appeal, in the residents, commuters and visitors. activities, events and information that it provides its visitors and users and as a consequence its sense of place, and local distinctiveness, are degraded.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.57 Core Work Programmes
From these priorities for change, provided by public, group and business engagement with Shaping Newport, three core work programmes can be derived, that constitute Newport’s DNA:
Rediscovering and celebrating Newport’s identity, in its built and natural heritage, in its social and cultural stories, taking pride in its DESTINATION pedigree and future potential as the Island’s capital; creating compelling and distinctive reasons to visit, invest, stay and return.
Making it easy to get into the town, and out again, to find a place to park NAVIGATION and to safely cross the town on foot, or by bike; marking safe, appealing and coherent town routes for visitors to explore and linger over.
Building better, more useful and more constructive connections between the people who live and work in Newport and the decision- ASSOCIATION makers and service-providers who run the civic ‘machinery’ of the town.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.58 Framework for Place Plan Delivery
• These three programmes, and the process of engagement • A plan for the first steps in taking demonstrable action, testing undertaken through the Shaping Newport project, now provide a solutions, and evaluating progress. framework for the delivery of the Place Plan outcomes: • A mechanism for enabling the actions prescribed and funding their • An alignment of the regeneration vision and objectives of the IWC progress. with those of the town, its residents, visitors and businesses: • Horizon-scanning for key events, developments, and milestones • A partnership approach to programme delivery and (political, economic, statutory, cyclical) on which to hang the stakeholder management architecture and timeline of the action plan. • Contribute to a vision and 20 year growth plan for the Isle of • 15 recommended actions are proposed, balancing the more general Wight in partnership with all stakeholders and thematic scored results (often less negative) of the place • Develop a set of principles to help the effective collaboration standard with the more specific and localised comments in the open of all those involved responses (often more negative). These are designed to provide a • The adoption of a strategy to retain public assets, investing to mix of short and medium-term, achievable outcomes with modest create the most value and maximise long term returns budget requirements, covering local policy and practice, • Demonstrate an evidenced based approach to decision collaboration and shared resources. These are small, achievable making structural interventions for systemic change:
• A development for the 3 locally distinctive priorities for the town.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.59 Action - Destination Making it more attractive would be lovely: ie, introduction of more Public Space Review (Streets and Spaces) design a programme of colour to buildings, pavements & seating small-scale improvements to Newport’s 20 public open spaces, areas. enhancing their appeal, aiding their differentiation from one another I would like to see a larger and improving their connectivity. Each site should have at least one pedestrian area between Edinburgh woollen mill and blacks achievable point of difference planned and budgeted for. For example, - this would encourage a more the development of the fish icon in St. Thomas’ Square (the Halo inclusive market, cafes and restaurants with pavement project, Oggies) by branding/pyrography on existing seating, tables. commission new seat, blue colour scheme in planting, and differentiate Public spaces are uninspiring. from St. James’ Square by resurrecting the ‘Beast Market’ heritage with Public art and entertainment a new iconography, colour scheme and narrative. Larger spaces can be would help as would areas with plenty of seating and sociable differentiated by creating ‘rooms within rooms’, for example Church space, safe for children Litten: play area, open green, monument, rose garden. Would be nice to have some flower beds etc and sculpture/art to look at
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.60 Action - Destination
Not enough events Brand Identity and Promotion (Identity and Belonging) begin the celebrating our town and Island culture process of re-identifying Newport with its historic, cultural, more colour to buildings, technological and environmental content, using facts, locations and pavements Decorations, bunting, flags, lights, stories consistently on all channels of communication, social media attractive signage platforms, #wdyt; develop the gazetteer to become a resource for all organizations and businesses promoting the town and the parish I don't think Newport has its as a destination. Commission a set of high-quality photographs own identity or brand and community spirit suffers as a through the year in 2018 to provide a freely available marketing result and promotion resource for IWC, NPC, NBA, and other organizations. Begin to theme promotion – the town by the forest,
Keep the character, keep it unique & the meeting of 3 rivers, the Medieval heart, the patchwork of not like every other town in the uk! neighbourhoods, a city of music (i.e. total population swells to city- Dress it up with more floral arrangements, encourage tourism, size during the IW Festival) and so on. make people want to visit!
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.61 Action - Destination
Simplify regulation to help Pro-active Licencing (Streets and Spaces) improve the vibrancy and things happen (Stop Stopping Things) diversity of Newport’s daily life in the quality and quantity of performance, spectacle, presence and engagement that exists in its public spaces. The evidence of the Shaping Newport survey is that Need more events people and organizations who would consider providing these things celebrating our town and Island culture are unclear, and sometimes pessimistic, about the processes of application, permit and licencing. A joint task force should be created, Better use of public space for things like Christmas markets combining IWC Commercial Services, NPC and NBA, to develop a ‘User’s and seasonal social events Guide to Newport’, setting out simply and clearly how to prepare and manage public events in Newport and what spaces and venues are available. This should lead to the same task force becoming a When the river fest or beer commissioning organization, especially for the first pilot year of Shaping and buses events are on in Newport for example the Newport delivery, championing the ‘cultural capital’. place is buzzing
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.62 Action - Destination
Events Calendar (Streets and Spaces) extend the previous There is unrealised recommendation and curate a programme of free public events in potential in the squares, a regular The town could be a hub Newport, in its squares, parks and public buildings, as well as its program of events of art, music, & culture civic hubs and campuses and its districts and neighbourhoods. NPC, during the summer with live entertainers/ would be great. buskers/ up-market NBA, IWC and many others, have suggested ideas already and there stalls; general activity is a strong link to Newport’s church network and its ambitions to throughout the day and early evening extend its own community services. The objective is to build the quality and diversity of spectacle, event and encounter that Newport offers its residents and visitors, leading to a locally distinctive Newport calendar. The events programme can also be Lack of community activities involving all used to demonstrate and demystify for all the procedures for ages/races etc booking and permitting regular activity in the town.
More activities for young/ teenagers
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.63 Action - Navigation It must appear very confusing to visitors. One way systems and signage • Finding and using Car Parks (Traffic and Parking) not easy to follow. design and install simple and effective road signage Restricted parking means directing to the nearest car park according to the no time for browsing and 'leisure shopping' I route travelled into town. Combine this with consider this is starving the town of custom. intelligent pricing matching the needs and demand across parking areas, extending short stay facilities Pay on exit parking (like at St to reduce ‘early leaving’ and fully exploiting options Mary’s) would increase browsing and social time for special deals linked to the events calendar. The last Saturday of every Balance resident, commuter and visitor parking, month should be free to advertise, promote and disseminate the best set of park it’s payday or close to it for most people it long-term parking permits available to achieve this. would encourage them to shop in Newport
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.64 Action - Navigation
The design of the town The Lanes (Streets and Spaces / Moving Around) bring together must have a hierarchy the 9 lanes of Newport, 7 north-south (Cockrams Yard, Chain Lane, pedestrians first. Hand painted street St. Cross Lane, Castlehold Lane, Post Office Lane, Grays Walk, signage - the isle of wight Chalmers Way) and 2 east-west (Scarrots Lane, Bowling Green has so many talented artists and crafts people Lane), together comprising one of the most distinctive features of the town. Use lighting, signage, street art, and better connections More and better use of lanes with public toilets, public squares etc. to recreate safe pedestrian and alleys e.g. Cockram’s Yard thoroughfares, many of which were first in use as part of the medieval street plan. Walking routes through town need to be made easier & continuous
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.65 Action - Navigation
Natural Space - It is there if Networked Signage and Interpretation (Streets and Spaces) install you know where to look visible, distinctive signage that provides clear orientation, and encourages exploration, defining routes and options, using public Encourage exploration of spaces, the lanes, the named district and neighbourhood identities and the town to signs, maps destination/arrival points. Connect this work with the revitalisation of and trails – help people discover shops, restaurants the public spaces as distinctive destinations within this access network. and heritage Provide seating every 100m throughout (as proposed in the NPC signposting to public Pedestrian Environment Audit). Interpretation need not mean more spaces or the start of walks, when the coaches signs; reduce clutter by combining public infrastructure with public drop the holiday makers information, creating ‘information objects’ from existing infrastructure, (elderly) in town they mill around not knowing furniture and public buildings as well as new structures and new where to go commissions (public art). Signs to help people know what is up each street
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.66 Action - Navigation
Newport Bus Station needs public toilets, better Bus Station Interchange (Public Transport) make shelters, news of latest bus movements and a better better use of the bus station travel centre as a shared queueing system There should be more service centre, connecting the interchange, library information in the travel centre to make it and Church Litten areas more usefully as a large interesting ands useful to visitors and others (on the central civic space. Create a working partnership here walls, maps etc). Street pastors are good between IWC, NPC and Southern Vectis, testing the – need day-time version idea of a civic hub with outreach services, involving Would be great to have for example local area co-ordinators, street pastors, a café within the library or facilities police and public health, alongside TIC, Visit Isle of there that could be shared by different Wight, and locality information and assistance. community groups
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.67 Action - Navigation
Lots of traffic most of the Traffic Scheme Budgets (Traffic and Parking) ensure that time. Rather polluted in the town. the £9M spend on Newport traffic schemes in 2018/19 is
used to extend into the consequences of layout changes, on We need more footpaths and cycle routes with good public spaces, pedestrian and cycle access, air quality for signage and lighting residents, workers and visitors. For example, fund the differentiation of ‘local’ streets from ‘through traffic’ …..motorists rush to navigate round small crowded back streets, create the Little London to St. Mary’s cycle link streets making it all seem shambolic and dangerous (proposed in the NPC pedestrian and cycling studies 2018), 20 mph restrictions fund protective landscaping to reduce particulate exposure have been shown to make things safer for in Hunnyhill and fund the design of new public space that pedestrians. may be created (lower High Street).
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.68 Action - Association The Core and the Districts (Identity and Belonging) rediscover and celebrate Newport’s component neighbourhoods: Pan, Barton, Create town centre manager post to run series Fairlee, Little London, Hunnyhill, Forestside, Kitbridge, Gunville, of initiatives to raise general conditions in town Carisbrooke, Mount Joy, Nine Acres, St. Johns, Nodehill, Shide. centre and promote street Concentrate local work based at this level, encouraging a rapid artists start, building up a diversity of positive actions, rediscovering depressing town-not dissimilar to other high places and features of interest and importance, and growing streets. There is no originality -apart from the stronger connections between people and place. Nodehill area Town Centre Champion (Influence and Control) establish a single Lots of 'bitty' things are attempting to get off the ground point of contact, a charismatic and publicly recognisable but no one is pulling it together figurehead, with the brief to drive positive change. Initially co- create between key stakeholders IWC, NPC, NBA. Initially fund and I'd happily join a focus resource through local cost centre allocations from existing group or similar if I knew where to find budgets, s106 town centre fund, top-sliced car park revenue fund. one! Move on to supplement through BID or other levy and leverage models. April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.69 Action - Association The community functions better when working with The County Capital (Influence and Control) Newport is functionally the the decision makers rather than being told what will Island’s nerve-centre, congregating public and emergency services, happen education, public health, banking, and legal advice. Concentrate this, do there are common issues not dilute by separating or distancing key services. The greater the we can all agree on, and diversity and frequency of contacts between people and organizations having a joint voice is stronger than one delivering services, stakeholders and businesses, residents, visitors and individual commuters, the more positive action for change will happen. The The group [Medina existing campuses and hubs constitute this nerve-centre: Hospital, IW College] would be prepared to help College, Medina College, Seaclose, County Hall and courts, Broadlands, practically with projects in Guildhall, Newport Quay, Downside and Isobel, Victoria Pavilion, the the town…. bus station and library complex; each considered for the land and
buildings it has to offer to a deliberate mixing of core functions: training encourage residents to and accommodation, HE and FE, after-hours community activities, attend more meetings when town decisions youth provision, public health, public information and advice. are being made
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.70 Action - Association
There’s no centre to the Local Civic Partnerships (Care and Maintenance) create a sense of visible The public realm needs to community participation and positive activity through collaborative public projects with be vastly improved and a bit of pride given back to local organizations. For example, the Isle of Wight College horticulture unit the historic market town has expertise in plant propagation and care and has its own nursery of
Would like to see consideration indoor plants and outdoor shrubs and trees. These skills, resources and for biodiversity - for wildlife, in amenity planting palettes, more students might co-design, with the parish council, widespread temporary imaginative maintenance regimes interventions: the Harbour bridge pop-up garden, turning empty shops into that allow and encourage planting and wildlife rather than amenity displays or creating ‘parklets’ using on-street parking bays. The Medina grass etc. College Student Voice team were clear that they would take on real
citizenship projects in the town. The Probation Service is based in Newport
We should be looking at Newport as and offers a long-term working relationship with Shaping Newport. the most cosmopolitan place on the Island, instead it is dated and not really Combining the CPS with other groups can also bring benefits (social, what Island residents and tourists employment, confidence, health) to participants. By creating regular, reliable deserve as the Island's hub. and visible care for the town, positivity around new projects will grow.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.71 Action - Association
Empty/derelict buildings Landlord Forum (Facilities and Amenities) use regulation are a blight on the landscape and policy compliance and civic obligation to encourage the
owners of Newport’s key commercial property to meet Use empty buildings for community projects if together with other town stakeholders, and deliver better empty for too long engagement in the shared project of regeneration. Establish Nothing in Newport looks cared an MOU between the Shaping Newport project and the for … too many empty shops buildings look tatty landlord community setting out shared methods and
objectives for economic and social revitalisation. A lot of scruffy shop fronts
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.72 Action - Association
A BMX track linked with the cycleway – maybe Urban development policy ( Influence and Control) draft temporary use of the old Hole in the Wall pub an SPD for the town centre that supports travel balance and green? Newport has some great architecture. It also has some which actively advocates mixed and ‘meanwhile’ use of abominable places, like the bus station and Cineworld edifice. empty premises and dormant development land, gives clear Apart from being ugly and out of scale with the rest of the guidance on expectations for the quality of the townscape town, it's ill-thought out for pedestrians. (using the existing Conservation Area plans), and which
There are too many promotes the diversity and frequency of meetings, events Supermarkets – they detract from the high street and activities between residents, visitors and workers, all set within a more coherent and distinctive built Stop out-of-town development - focus environment. on town centre
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.73 First Steps
• Create a host Town Centre Partnership (e.g. Shaping Newport CLG, • A Town Users’ Guide, encouraging and enabling easy access to and alternating chair between NPC and NBA, meetings held at each campus in use of open spaces in Newport for public, community and commercial turn, board constituted by hub representatives e.g. NHS/CCG. IW College, hire.
Medina College, Harbour Master etc.), appoint (recruit or second) a Town • A Media Pack containing a parish gazetteer and photographic library, Centre Champion. made available for free to all Newport businesses and organizations. • An 18-month Shaping Newport budget built from in-house options: IWC and • A Priority Project List selected from the DNA programme. An NPC cost-centre allocations, s106 pool, top-sliced parking revenue fund Evaluation Method comprising a repeat of the Place Standard • A First Action Programme: questionnaire after the first 18 months, and footfall comparisons in • A New Town Charter: key spaces (e.g. August 2018 and 19, October half-term 2018 and 19, • Newport SPD providing policy conditions for town renewal. Christmas 2018 and 19). • Landlord MOU between town centre landlords and Shaping • A Forward Funding Plan expanding scope and improving sustainability Newport. through external bidding, community asset income etc. (but keeping • New Town Map, identifying, naming and locating every district, in place s106 arrangements to the town centre and formalising car every Shaping Newport campus, and every public space. park revenue top slice), and when the time is right in the longer term, • A Town Calendar programming and curating 12 months of public a BID or other levy scheme, potentially linked with local business rate event and spectacle (and launching the Town Users’ Guide). management.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.74 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.75 Newport Horizon
• IW Biosphere: an application will be made to UNESCO in 2018, • Medina Valley Landscape Partnership: following on from the a decision is likely in spring 2019. If successful, the Island will successful east and west Wight schemes, there are proposals achieve a global accolade and join a worldwide network of for a new bid to HLF for the Medina Valley. Newport should be cities and regions. Newport will be the capital of the IW its core and anchor. Biosphere. • New national and regional funding initiatives during and post- • Newport Minster and St. Thomas’ Square: the church will be Brexit (e.g. the Shared Prosperity Fund replacing EU structural applying for HLF funding in 2018, for structural repairs but also funds) will present new opportunities. It is essential that a change in the layout and function of the public spaces, inside Newport acts as a ‘lightning rod’ for the whole Island in this and out, that it offers. Shaping Newport can work with the context through the creation of a ‘funding observatory’. In bidding team, and the wider Newport clergy, to engage the doing so, it will be in a better position to attract grant support church estate in the regeneration effort (fitting well with the for health, wellbeing, environmental and socio-economic ‘Hope 2018’ initiative). projects from all sources.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.76 April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.77 Other Examples of Town Centre Regeneration Initiatives:
• Derby http://www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/
• Reading http://www.livingreading.co.uk/the-partners/key-organisations/reading- uk-cic
• Lincoln https://www.lincolnbig.co.uk/
• Ipswich https://issuu.com/allaboutipswich/docs/013658_ips_central_gip_vision_value
• South Bank http://sbeg.co.uk/work/south-bank-partnership/
• Erdington http://erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk/
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.78 Shaping Newport has been developed using the Shaping Better Places standard.
April 2018 - Shaping Newport - Arc Consulting p.79