ALL the major players have now been announced in the eagerly-awaited multi-million pound transformation of the Cowes waterfront on the Isle of Wight.

LDA Urban Design (LDA) has been appointed by regional development agency SEEDA and English Partnerships to work with the Cowes Waterfront partners.

It will undertake the masterplanning of the former 25-acre GKN North Works site at East Cowes.

The site will include marine-related business, housing, retail and leisure uses, as well as public access to the waterfront.

LDA was selected for its experience in delivering mixed-use schemes for the rejuvenation of both town centres and waterfront sites.

The company is currently completing a masterplan for the redundant dockland area at Millbay in Plymouth, which shares an overall regeneration vision similar to that of the East Cowes project.

LDA director John Phillipps said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recreate East Cowes as a superb and sustainable waterfront town.

"In Queen Victoria's time, this town was a jewel in the Isle of Wight's crown, and we want to work with the local community to develop a future vision which rekindles pride of place as a central theme.

"The masterplan needs to be truly mixed-use, carefully integrated into its surroundings and, above all, it must be supported by local people."

SEEDA's development projects director Peter Cusdin said: "The regeneration of East Cowes will have a wider significance and a positive impact for investment in the Isle of Wight and LDA has demonstrated that it shares this vision."

English Partnerships' area director for the south-east and south-west, David Wharburton, said: "We are delighted to be working with local partners on this important project which is part of English Partnerships' investment in The Solent.

"The outcome of our joint efforts will be a new waterside quarter for East Cowes, providing much-needed homes, jobs and other facilities."

Mike King, enterprise and investment director for the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to create an exciting and stylish invitation to the rest of the Isle of Wight - providing a showcase for the Island's strengths and enhancing the offering in the whole of the south-east region."

Isle of Wight council leader Councillor Shirley Smart, said: "I know that over the coming months, it is SEEDA's intention to build on the consultation already undertaken and raise the quality of the environment at this important Island gateway."