The Port Erin regeneration scheme is progressing well and remains on target to be completed ahead of this year’s TT Festival.
A significant stage of the works to renew the public space serving Station Road and Orchard Road will be completed this week, with the reopening of the junction at Bridson Street. This will improve access for vehicles and provide more parking while the work continues.
Funded by Government’s Town and Village Centre Regeneration Scheme, the project includes new footway paving, trees, street furniture and lighting to further enhance the appearance of the area.
Station Road is being reconstructed to provide an improved surface and renewed underground services, while the Railway Station has benefitted from a new canopy.
Nick Watterson, Chairman of Port Erin Commissioners, acknowledged the difficulties that many local traders were experiencing, but endorsed the scheme, insisting that the substantial investment was both necessary and long overdue.
In support of the project, the Commissioners are providing upgraded street lighting, public Wi-Fi and CCTV. A number of businesses have already benefitted from regeneration funding to improve the appearance of their premises.
The improvement scheme focuses on making the shopping area more attractive for residents and visitors to help maintain a vibrant town centre.
Another key aim is to make it easier for pedestrians to move around the retail area. To achieve this, a wide crossing area is being provided to connect the Railway Station with the shops and businesses on Station Road.
This will include making part of Orchard Road accessible only to pedestrians while maintaining access for vehicles to the lane between Station Road and Church Street and the Station pub car park.
The outcome will be improved pedestrian routes to the shops on Station Road and Church Street. Disabled access is also being enhanced as part of the project.
The Principal Contractor, JCK Ltd, is responsible for all site-based elements of the project, including coordination of access to buildings, maintaining traffic flows and safety of the general public.
Steve George, Chairman of Port Erin Trader’s Association (PETA) said:
‘The message from all the traders is that Port Erin is very much open for business. We are looking forward to seeing the finished result of this investment in the Port and appreciate the support that customers are giving by continuing to use the shops whilst the works are underway.’
Key Points
- All shops remain open for business and are accessible
- Parking is available at Station Road and in surrounding areas including the car park off Droghadfayle Road
- Follow diversion routes marked by yellow signs
- Works will be substantially completed by TT 2017
- The works are broken down into phases to reduce disruption
- The finished scheme will not reduce parking spaces
- Revised bus route
