MONKTON VILLAGE ZONE

17. Simeon Street Recreation Ground. A public greenspace significantly and unfavourably altered by recent flood defence works. The Rec is another example of the lack of connection between infrastructure works and the shared life of the community affected. There could, and should, have been investment in the recreational value of the site as part of the agreed programme of public works, but the prompt for this intervention must come from the town itself. This is why a Manifesto for Ryde, and its implementation through strategic agreements with key stakeholders (which would include the Environment Agency and Southern Water given their prominent presence in the life of the town) is required. There is an opportunity to revisit the site and begin to repair damage done to its utility and appeal as a public park. The Rec is an important orientation point between the Esplanade and the Oakvale corridor.

18. Monkton Street. The Monkton Street neighbourhood has a strongly individual character, with its mix of shops, cafes (such as the new Monkton Arts Café) , small industrial estates and dense streetscape. It connects easily, via Park Road and St. Johns Wood Road, with the Oakvale green corridor to the south (a route also featuring in the town’s draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan). There is great potential to emphasise the locally distinctive sense of place in and around Monkton Street, establishing both destination and linking roles within the project network.