Please click on the image to view it in a larger scale.
An innovative £1.8m project to attract businesses and create a community hub in Jurby is set to inject fresh life into the village.
The three-year scheme was included as part of this year’s package of Budget announcements approved by Tynwald, following successful engagement with residents and the local authority.
More than £800,000 is due to be spent on phase one of the project during the next financial year, 2019/20.
Work is planned to start later this year on improving Jurby Business Park through landscaping and tree-planting, and the installation of improved signage and modern lighting infrastructure.
A planning application for the construction of four new industrial units is expected to be submitted soon, and the site will be designed to accommodate further expansion in the future.
The focus of the second phase of the project, with a budget of approximately £1,050,000 will shift to the north of Ballameanagh Road, on land between Jurby Medical Centre and the Bretney Estate.
Designed in collaboration with the local community and incorporating elements which support the Active Travel Strategy, the proposals aim to link the Bretney Estate and Parish Hall with the school, shop and medical centre through the creation of footpaths, traditional hedging, tree-planting and open green space.
Included in the design is a central picnic area, allotments and recreational space.
Innovative community-led proposals include a ‘Container Cluster’, which will see the development of former shipping containers, upgraded with insulation and power available to rent. These would be ideal for individuals or organisations to use of them for crafts and clubs, or for artists and enthusiasts to have space to work in a supportive environment.
Nearby, four Polycrub tunnels built from recycled materials will provide shelter for people to use to grow their own vegetables alongside outdoor planter beds. The site has also been designed to accommodate car parking and further facilities for the community.
Julie Edge, Member of the Department of Infrastructure, said:
‘The project so far has been a great example of government working with the local community to come up with a project with huge potential benefits.
‘Planning approval pending, the next step will see improvements to the commercial zone to help diversity among businesses in the area. And while that takes place, plans for the second phase will continue to be developed and refined in order to create something really special and community-focussed for the people of Jurby.’
A display of the plans will be available to view and discuss at road show events being held at Jurby Medical Centre next month:
- Monday 1 April 2-4pm
- Thursday 4 April 11am-4pm
- Saturday 6 April 11am-1pm
The events will be combined with a chance for residents to talk to officers from bus vannin about the introduction of the on-demand connectVILLAGES minibus service.
Businesses interested in moving to Jurby should contact Public Estates at the Department of Infrastructure on properties.doi@gov.im
