The Department of Infrastructure has applied for Planning Approval for the first phase of the Douglas Promenade(s) improvement project.
 
Phase 1 Proposals
 
Subject to Planning Approval, the Department will start on the section from the Sea Terminal to Regent Street.    This will include improvements to the landward side of the carriageway up to, but not including the existing horse tram tracks. This phase will help to re-establish the status of the Promenade as the gateway to the capital and the Island and it also includes the following features:-
 
1.    Improvements at Walpole Avenue and Victoria Street junctions – both junctions will be re-modelled to allow better flow of traffic and the pedestrian crossing point at Victoria Street will be moved to a more convenient position.  
2.    Minor improvements at the Peveril Square roundabout – kerbs to be re-set and the approach lanes will be modified.
3.    Improvements to pedestrian areas around Peveril Square – wide granite footways between Peveril Square and Walpole Avenue. 
4.    Improvements to pedestrian facilities from the Sea Terminal car park to Victoria Street – a dedicated pedestrian link will be constructed across the Sea Terminal car park to the puffin crossing on Peveril Square.
5.    Use of high quality natural stone materials on the footways and pedestrian areas – granite slabs, setts and kerbs to complement those used in the regeneration work. 
6.    Minor relocation of the Jubilee Clock to facilitate Victoria Street junction improvements – the clock will be moved into the centre of the pedestrian area to allow the junction improvements to be undertaken. The area around the clock will be more accessible and there will be an improved long view to the clock looking down Victoria Street.
7.    Removal of railings and fencing around the Sea Terminal, Peveril Square and the Jubilee Clock to reduce street clutter.
 
This phase of the work is expected to cost in the region of ?1.5M and the contract period will be approximately 12 months. 
 
The public are encouraged to comment on these proposals through the Planning process.  
 
The Department is currently developing the designs for future phases of the project. The layout for these is also shown in the planning application submission, however, these are indicative only.  The Department would welcome written comments and suggestions regarding the future indicative phases and would prefer comments on these phases to be sent directly to Department of Infrastructure c/o Scott Moffat, contact details below, by Friday 9th November.  Alternatively you may wish to use the electronic form via this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YourPromenade-YourSay   Plans are also on public display in the Sea Terminal concourse.  If you wish to discuss the proposals in more detail please call Jim Davidson (686661).  
 
David Cretney commented “These improvements are long overdue and it is vital for economic success that we present the capital of the Island as a modern, vibrant and commercial  visitor centre.   I believe these proposals will help achieve that outcome.”