DoI to seek public views on alternative proposal for horse tram tracks on Douglas Promenade.
An alternative proposal is being drawn up for the next phase in the refurbishment of Douglas Promenade.
While the new proposal retains the focus on improvements to the highway, footways and drainage, it shows the relocation of the horse tram tracks on to the Promenade Walkway.
Phase 2 of the Promenade scheme, involving the creation of a dedicated corridor for the horse trams on the seaward side of the road, had been scheduled to start this autumn. This has now been put on hold while the new proposal is being considered.
Phil Gawne MHK said:
‘Since being appointed as Minister for Infrastructure in July, I have taken the opportunity to revisit some of the larger capital projects being progressed by the Department. I have assessed various aspects of the Douglas Promenade refurbishment with the project team and the Department has also held productive meetings with representatives of the retail and hotel industries.’
He added:
‘There can be no doubt that significant capital investment in Douglas Promenade is urgently needed. The road has continued to deteriorate in recent years, with the surface becoming uneven, patched and badly cracked. It has reached the end of its useful life, both in highways terms and from an aesthetic viewpoint. Work to rejuvenate what is regarded as the gateway to the Isle of Man is a major undertaking and I want to further consider the options before progressing. This represents an investment in the Isle of Man’s infrastructure for the next 50 years and we must get it right.’
The Minister and members of the project team have met representatives from Douglas Borough Council and the local business community in recent weeks to discuss the refurbishment of the Promenade.
Minister Gawne said:
‘The message I have received is that there is strong support for relocating the horse tram tracks on to the Promenade Walkway. This option had been rejected in the past because of concerns about placing the tracks above the IRIS sewerage tanks. However, advances in engineering techniques mean there are now cost effective ways of resolving this issue.’
He added:
‘As well as removing the horse trams from one of the Isle of Man’s busiest roads, the Promenade Walkway option would have other potential benefits. On-street parking provision, which is a major consideration, could be maintained and there would also be an opportunity to incorporate additional sea defences to address the effects of climate change.’
The two options for Douglas Promenade – relocating the horse tram tracks on to the Walkway or on the seaward side of the highway – will be on public display at the Sea Terminal later this month.
Outline designs, technical information and artist’s impressions will be available to view in the main foyer from Tuesday to Saturday, 7 to 11 October. Members of the project team will also be in attendance from 10am to 8pm on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October to explain the proposals and to answer any questions.
Visitors to the display will be invited to provide feedback about their preferred option for the position of the horse tram tracks by completing a feedback form.
Minister Gawne said:
‘The Promenade refurbishment is an important part of our commitment to delivering a high quality infrastructure that allows the Isle of Man to secure future economic growth. I would encourage people to visit the display at the Sea Terminal and submit their views. We will listen to what people have to say and their feedback will help to determine the final location of the horse tram tracks.’
