The next stage of Douglas Town Centre Regeneration is to begin after the Chief Minister’s Steering Committee gave approval for work to start on the lower section of Nelson Street to link the newly revitalised areas of upper Nelson Street and Wellington Street.

The project, which is to begin on Sunday April 29, will see the laying of new granite paving identical to that used for the earlier schemes, together with improvements to Nelson Street at its junctions with Market Street and Prospect Hill.  The project will take approximately 14 weeks to complete, including a two week break for TT.

While works are being carried out the downhill carriageway on Prospect Hill between Athol Street and Victoria Street will be closed to traffic from April 29 to May 25 and a one-way uphill system introduced. Affected bus routes will be diverted via Athol Street and Ridgeway Street.

Department of Infrastructure Minister and Chairman of the Douglas Regeneration Committee David Cretney MHK said: ‘I welcome the start of this next stage to revitalise the town centre which will unite the newly regenerated areas of Nelson Street and Wellington Street and contribute greatly to the overall appearance of these key gateways into Douglas. Work on the remainder of Wellington Street then Duke Street and Strand Street is to follow, which once completed, will show to great effect the large-scale transformation taking place.

‘The Department of Infrastructure welcomes and shares the deep commitment of Douglas Borough Council to progress the Douglas town centre regeneration. Only through creating a high-quality visually appealing environment can we retain existing businesses and attract new ones to stimulate investment and, in so doing, help secure a sound economic future for the Isle of Man.’