A three-month project to improve accessibility on East Cowes Esplanade will begin shortly.
Rock-filled baskets and new seating will line the Esplanade, in a bid to deliver a "much better visitor and resident experience".
However, the landslip which blocks access to the road to Old Castle Point won't yet be cleared.
The scheme is being funded by community donations, including a £27,000 sponsorship donated in 2020. There have also been contributions from the government Welcome Back fund, the Isle of Wight Council and local businesses.
Island-based contractor John Peck Construction will undertake the work.
The Esplanade was nominated by residents as an area regeneration priority in 2019, and so the project appeared in the council's 'Inspiration Island' regeneration strategy.
Sharon Lake from the East Cowes Regeneration group said:
"Our community has been waiting for almost seven years to improve access to our esplanade.
"Every consultation done during that time has identified the esplanade as being a top priority for improvement and accessibility.
"We are extremely proud of the support received from residents, businesses and community groups.
"Without their initial support and fundraising efforts this project would never have got off the ground.
"Residents raised an initial £15,000, and the rest of the community funding included contributions from East Cowes Town Council, Sovereign Housing, and community groups including the Shrape Swimmers who undertook a virtual round-the-Island swim during lockdown.
"It’s been a long time coming but I am excited to see it come to fruition.
"Next, we hope to be working alongside the Isle of Wight Council on a woodland management plan, and further accessibility improvements.
"Eventually we hope a solution to treatment of the landslip itself can be identified.
"Our community doesn’t ask for much, but as far as we are concerned the esplanade is one of the jewels in the East Cowes crown.”
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said:
"I know how important the work to the esplanade is going to be to the people of East Cowes.
"I'm delighted to confirm the Isle of Wight Council is listening to what people in the town have been asking for, and giving priority to East Cowes Esplanade.
"What's more, we are putting regeneration money into this scheme because we know it will benefit the wider town of East Cowes.
"And there's much more to come, with the £5.8m Levelling-Up Fund investment into the East Cowes Marine Hub.
"The esplanade improvement project is a great example of community-led regeneration working alongside island and government ambitions to improve quality of life and prosperity for everybody."
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