Regeneration
The Bay Place Plan
The Bay Area Place Plan was commissioned and delivered by the Building the Bay Steering Group to provide a shared vision and action plan for the communities of Sandown, Lake, and Shanklin. Developed in 2023 by a consortium comprising Feria Urbanism, Støriie, and The Place Bureau, the Plan builds on local research, stakeholder engagement, and existing strategies to identify priorities for regeneration, community wellbeing, and sustainable growth.
Launched in January 2024, the 98-page Plan sets out a framework for future investment and action across the Bay area, focusing on community empowerment, economic development, infrastructure improvements, placemaking, and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.
The Building the Bay Steering Group serves as the delivery vehicle for the Bay Area Place Plan, bringing together local partners to coordinate, champion, and support the implementation of its priorities across Sandown, Lake, and Shanklin. The group works to secure investment, foster collaboration, and drive projects that contribute to the long-term regeneration and wellbeing of the Bay area.
For more information about the Steering Group, its members, and ongoing projects, visit the Building the Bay website.
High Street Task Force
The challenges facing highstreets are now widely discussed. Sandown’s high street is no different with footfall dropping, businesses closing and derelict buildings increasing. High Street Task Forces are government initiative which take a people and place-based approach to providing solutions for the regeneration of highstreets.
Sandown’s High Street Task Force Initiative
The Task Force aims to strengthen local leadership in high streets and town centres in England though providing information, advice, training, knowledge and data.
Reading
Sandown Area Conservation Management Plan
A new plan to help enhance the architectural and historical features of Sandown, tackle some of the town’s worst derelict sites and improve the public realm, has been published.
The Isle of Wight Council, working with Sandown Town Council, has launched the Sandown Conservation Area Management Plan, following public consultation, community engagement events, and contributions from stakeholder groups.
The plan includes:
- recording the current condition of buildings in the conservation area;
- appointing ‘Historic Environment Champions’ to raise the profile and awareness of conservation issues;
- identifying redundant or harmful signage;
- tackling some of the worst vacant or harmful sites;
- creating public realm improvements, including planters and working with Green Town Volunteers;
- promoting an annual awards scheme for building projects and environmental improvements;
- supporting a maintenance week to improve the appearance of the public realm.
The management plan focuses on the conservation area but, similar to the Bay Place Plan, aims to support the regeneration of the wider Bay area.
Sandown Library will be displaying the plan with a transcribed copy of the plan available from the reception desk. The plan can also be downloaded from the Isle of Wight Council’s website.