Wightlink passengers using the Portsmouth–Fishbourne route can now get the benefit of enhanced facilities and a smoother, streamlined service to and from the Isle of Wight after the opening of the ferry operator’s revamped terminal at Fishbourne.
An Island couple, Mr and Mrs Dearden from Ryde, were the first to use the brand new ticket office in the customer reception area, purchasing their tickets at 15:00 on Tuesday 23 rd June. Located in the north-western corner of the terminal, the customer reception area encompasses an open plan ticket office and new retail facilities. Since its opening, the whole terminal has also been resurfaced.
A fundamental redesign of Fishbourne Terminal, first announced in March 2008, was crucial to Wightlink’s future strategy for the busiest cross-Solent route.
Sean Millward, Wightlink Route Manager Eastern Solent, said: “In recent months we have completely revamped the terminal layout, creating clear marshalling lanes that run the length of the terminal with a resulting seventy additional marshalling spaces, and providing dedicated freight traffic lines as well.
“We have introduced a new zone-controlled tannoy system to reduce sound pollution and have also installed a more discreet low level lighting system, reducing light pollution to the surrounding area. Both these initiatives are designed to ensure that the terminal minimises its impact on local residents.”
Further works are in the pipeline for winter 2009 when, after consultation with Isle of Wight Council and local residents, Wightlink hopes to re-profile the entry and exit lines, controlling these with traffic lights to ease congestion around the terminal.