Bay Place Plan next steps call for community representatives

Published: 6 March 2024

The Bay Area

The Bay area Town and Parish councils of Sandown, Shanklin and Lake, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, are looking for community representatives for the next wave of activities to be delivered within the scope of the Bay Place Plan, following a public meeting where the Bay Place Plan was launched.

The councils are appealing for community champions who want to help start implementing some of the ideas expressed in the Plan, and to bring and develop new ideas that fit within the scope of the Plan. For those who weren’t able to attend the launch or didn’t express an interest at the time, this is your opportunity.

This is a call out for volunteers for the steering group and special interest project groups, and a mailing list for anyone who wants to stay up to date on the progress will be formulated. A total of 8 categories have been identified as focus areas for representatives: Arts and Culture, Businesses, Hotels & Holiday Accommodation, Community Organisations, Young People, Natural Environment, Events and Activations, and Sports and Active Pursuits. 

A representative from each of these categories will join delegates from IOW Council, Shanklin, Lake Parish and Sandown Town and Parish Councils to form the steering group for the delivery of the plan.

Councillors from Shanklin, Lake and Sandown Town and Parish Councils said: “We want to thank everyone who attended the launch event for the Bay Place Plan, and for those who expressed an interest in getting more involved.  This is a further call to action for committed individuals to bring their expertise and knowledge to bear in shaping the future of our communities in the Bay.”

Julie Jones-Evans, cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture & Leisure said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local people to guide the delivery of the Bay Place Plan and I would encourage anyone from the named sectors to get involved.”

“Plans are only worth something if they become alive and continuing the local input is essential in making this happen.”

In order to establish a sense of communal pride, ownership and belonging in the plan going forward, a competition for naming the initiative is being launched. Islanders are being invited to submit their ideas for the initiative through the lens of community, development and prosperity.

Entries can be submitted until the 19th of March 2024 via bayareaplaceplan@iow.gov.uk