Exciting plans to improve Market Square and the Parade in Castletown have been finalised and submitted for planning approval following feedback from a public exhibition.
The proposals seek to enhance the quality of one of the most visited parts of the Island by providing a flexible area that can adapt quickly to meet the needs of the community.
More public space will be provided for pedestrians and events as part of a scheme which allows parking to be increased or decreased on demand.
Crucially, the proposal will mean that it will not be necessary to close off the entire Square to vehicles during all events. Instead, smaller events will be able to be accommodated by a permanent space adjacent to the Castle and only larger events will require parking to be suspended.
Castletown Commissioners will be releasing parking in George Paddock to more than make up for any loss of parking in the Square. To support this, the recently upgraded George Lane now provides an attractive pedestrian link into the Square from the George Paddock parking area.
High quality stone paving, increased seating and low energy lighting will be used to make the most of the historic setting and show off the town’s assets.
Richard Ronan MHK, Chairman of the Castletown Regeneration Committee commented:
‘I am pleased to announce plans to transform Market Square and the Parade are now complete, marking the culmination of two and a half years of hard work by the Committee and extensive public consultation. I have been keen to bring together various sectors of the community to ensure that this important project meets a range of requirements and I am grateful for the time and effort that everyone has put in.’
He added:
‘This will be a catalyst for Castletown’s future prosperity and will link in with plans by others such as Manx National Heritage which is bringing forward a scheme for the Castle Rushen Speaker’s Garden. I am also pleased to see prospects of other economic activity in the private sector which will complement the regeneration scheme.’
The plans will be on display at Castletown Commissioners’ offices from Monday 14 April 2014. There will also be two ‘manned events’ where officers and members of the Castletown Regeneration Committee will be on hand to further explain the proposals. These will be held on Monday 14 and Monday 28 April from 2pm until 7pm.
