The first phases of the Douglas regeneration project were completed in October 2012.
These have successfully refurbished Upper Nelson Street, the Prospect Hill/Ridgeway Street junction, Lower Nelson Street and Wellington Street.
The first phase was designed to:
• Trial different methods of working prior to commencing regeneration works in Duke Street and Strand Street main retail areas.
• Pilot the regeneration designs, for example materials and street lighting to ensure their suitability prior to commencing regeneration works in Duke Street;
• Enhance the important Prospect Hill and Ridgeway Street vehicle gateway into the town centre;
• Improve pedestrian accessibility on this busy route to the town centre from Shaws Brow car park and the businesses premises adjacent to Athol Street, Upper Church Street and Circular Road;
• Structurally and aesthetically improve the condition of these pedestrian retail streets; and
• Install new surface water drainage systems and upgrade public utilities apparatus located under these streets.
All these works were completed within their allocated budgets (?796,000) and within the timescales agreed with local retailers and the Regeneration Committees.
The regeneration work for the main retail area of Duke Street and Strand Street is currently being designed and is expected to commence in March 2013. More detailed information will be released on the programme once the necessary approvals and plans are in place.
Minister David Cretney commented “I would like to thank local retailers, the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Douglas Development Partnership and Douglas Corporation for their assistance in the delivery of this complex and disruptive project. I believe this work will make a vital contribution towards improving the Island’s retail experience. This will help retailers compete with off island home internet shopping and increase the likelihood of external investment on the Isle of Man.”
Other regeneration projects are underway around the Courthouse in Ramsey town centre and a pilot scheme on Port Erin Promenade. The town centre pilot schemes for Peel and Castletown are currently being designed and construction works on these projects is scheduled to take place early in 2013. The Laxey regeneration project has received planning consent and construction drawings are being finalised for the Tram Station and Rose Garden. Works are likely to start in 2013.
