The Department of Infrastructure has submitted its planning application for the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade.
Subject to approval being granted, work will start in September to rejuvenate the area widely regarded as the ‘gateway to the Isle of Man.'
The planning application features a new design for the southern section of the Promenade to improve traffic flow, junctions and footpaths. The northern end will be developed on a simple, like-for-like basis.
The scheme, which gained overwhelming support from Tynwald Members in 2017, also includes the creation of a cultural area around the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre. This is in line with the Douglas Masterplan and will connect the Promenade with the town centre regeneration.
Work is required to address the Promenade’s crumbling infrastructure and will involve the full-depth excavation and reconstruction of the failing highway and drainage, as well as the installation of new water and gas mains and ducting.
The horse tram tracks will be re-laid to reflect the design principle agreed by Tynwald, with twin tracks retained in the centre of the road from the terminal at Strathallan to a point just north of the Broadway junction. They will then cross to the seaward side of the highway and switch to a single track terminating alongside the Bottleneck car park.
The Promenade proposals were recently on public display in the Sea Terminal building and were well received when the Department hosted a presentation for members of the business and hospitality sectors, third sector organisations and others directly impacted by the redevelopment.
Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:
‘The submission of the planning application is a further significant milestone towards our vision for the future of Douglas Promenade. I believe the Department’s proposal offers a solution that will benefit the people and the economy of the Isle of Man for generations to come.’
He added:
‘The Promenade is one of the Island’s busiest and most important strategic routes, but also the worst in terms of its overall condition. Our scheme will not only reconstruct the highway, but also give the whole area a massive lift and reinforce the Isle of Man’s position as a special place to live and work.’
If planning approval is provided for the scheme, a contractor will be appointed and a detailed construction programme drawn up.
