Red Funnel gets the go ahead for the redevelopment of its East Cowes ferry terminal on the Isle of Wight

PortRed Funnel has received the green light for the redevelopment of its East Cowes ferry terminal on the Isle of Wight. The company’s East Cowes terminal is used by it’s Raptor-class passenger/vehicle double enders as well as its freight ferry RED KESTREL on services from Southampton.

Red Funnel's proposals for East Cowes include a new terminal building, automated check-in and a new marshalling yard with a capacity for more than 350 vehicles.

The Isle of Wight Council's planning committee granted conditional permission for the plans, as well as an outline proposal for up to 30 new homes, a flexible commercial space and an 80-room hotel.

The application site spans Venture Quays, the Trinity House depot and wharf, and the Red Funnel marshalling yard Trinity and Phoenix Yard.

Red Funnel said that its plans were aimed at reducing traffic congestion in East Cowes, and "greater resilience" for passengers.

Plans for a new terminal building and marshalling yard were given the go ahead in 2017, but were put on hold in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Red Funnel said it would be revealing its timetable for the development in the coming months.