Isle of Wight landmark future revealed at ceremony

Natural Enterprise, working in partnership with two Isle of Wight councils, secured the funding to restore the historic Ryde seafront tower to its former glory.

A ceremony to celebrate the project on Wednesday was attended by Natural Enterprise, Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council representatives and Oakfield Primary School pupils.

Once the renovations are complete, visitors will be able to take advantage of the amazing views from the top as well as activities provided by Monkton Arts, who will manage the tower.

Oakfield Primary School pupils inside Appley Towerwer. (Image: Natural Enterprise)

When the renovations are complete the tower will host three exhibitions about its history, changes to the views from the tower and the local tourism offering.

Brian Friend, Natural Enterprise chairman, said, “The project will ensure the much-loved building may be enjoyed by both the community and visitors for years to come.

"As well as the planned structural repairs to the tower and the creation of four new beach huts for short-term hire, there will be an opportunity for people to get involved with the research into the tower’s heritage.”

Anyone interested in being trained as a volunteer researcher, looking into the history of Appley Tower, the Hutt family and The Solent, should contact: rachael.ardley@naturalenterprise.co.uk.

Natural Enerprise chairman Brian Friend speaking outside the tower. (Image: Natural Enterprise)

Appley Tower is expected to be open to the public once more in summer 2024.

Cllr Michael Lilley, Appley and Elmfield ward councillor, mayor of Ryde and deputy chair of IW Council, said, "I am delighted that after four years of collaborative work the long-term future of the tower has now been secured to enable it to remain in community ownership for all to enjoy both inside and out.

"It has taken dedicated partnership and teamwork to find the way forward for this amazing heritage project."

Once the renovations are complete, visitors will be able to take advantage of the amazing views from the top as well as activities provided by Monkton Arts, who will manage the tower. When the renovations are complete the tower will host three exhibitions about its history, changes to the views from the tower and the local tourism offering.

Anyone interested in being trained as a volunteer researcher, looking into the history of Appley Tower, the Hutt family and the Solent, should contact: rachael.ardley@naturalenterprise.co.uk.

Appley Tower is expected to be open to the public once more in summer 2024.