THE Claremont Hotel is backing plans for Douglas Promenades to be renovated.

The Department of Infrastructure has said it will develop a detailed design proposal for the future of the promenades which will be launched later this year.

A provisional budget of £10 million over the next four years has been identified and the work could include relocating the horse trams.

Sleepwell Hotels, owner of three hotel properties on Douglas Promenades - including The Claremont - is backing the proposals.

Managing director Mark Wilson said: "In the long term this is fantastic news. Of course the work will cause some short term disruption for us and our guests regarding parking, noise and possibly pedestrian access, but we must look at the bigger picture and the future benefits.

"At the Claremont we constantly strive towards providing our guests with a luxury service and high quality environment so this government initiative dovetails precisely with what we, in the private sector, are also achieving.

"I'm sure that everyone with a promenade business will also benefit from the creation of a more scenic, accessible and enjoyable environment.

"It is also worth congratulating the government for this bold investment. In these difficult economic times the government should be applauded for their contribution to the community, which, I am sure, will also be of great benefit to the economy.

"The Isle of Man may never be the tourist destination that it once was, but an investment of this kind can only be positive news for industry.

"At Sleepwell Hotels and The Claremont in particular we are eager to discover specific details of this restoration and would welcome government consultation on this initiative, when appropriate."

Also see: Department of Infrastructure progressing ideas to relocate the Douglas horse trams