The culmination of the work will be marked on Saturday 23 May when a statue honouring those who worked in the Great Laxey Mine will be unveiled in the Heritage Garden at Mines Road.
The regeneration scheme has involved the upgrading of pavements and improvements to the Rose Garden and Manx Electric Railway Station, along with the creation of a village square outside Whitehouse Close and Whitehouse Building. High quality limestone and granite have been used to enhance the public realm in sympathy with the Conservation Area.
A major aim of the project has been to improve pedestrian access within the village centre. A key aspect of this is the provision of a new paved link to connect the MER Station and the new square and Rose Garden. This includes a combined stepped and ramped access, creating a safer and easier route for pedestrians whilst also opening the area up.
The plans were overseen by the Laxey Regeneration Committee and the finished result reflects the original public consultations. These generated lots of feedback and a clear view that the MER Station and Rose Garden should be enhanced as the heart of the village.
The development of the scheme has been a partnership between the Regeneration Committee, Isle of Man Public Transport and the Commissioners. This has helped to ensure the installation of appropriate street furniture and lighting.
The Commissioners led the review of options for benches in the MER Station and the chosen style is a replica of those previously in place. Public Transport oversaw the restoration of the two timber kiosks, which have now been returned to the station as part of the project.
Steve Rodan SHK, Chairman of the Laxey Regeneration Committee commented:
'The completion of the project is the culmination of several years of work by the Regeneration Committee, Public Transport, the Commissioners and volunteers from local businesses. Laxey already had much to offer but this major project has revitalised the village centre and created a focus for residents and visitors.'
He added:
'I would like to thank all those involved in the project. By working together Laxey has a village centre that will continue to attract visitors for years to come.'
