MORE than £250,000 will be spent regenerating Nelson Street in Douglas.
It marks the first regeneration project for the Island's capital and will see the upper part of the street, between Shaw's Brow car park and Prospect Hill, transformed.
New paving will be installed as well as bespoke wall mounted LED lighting units.
The regeneration project is a joint initiative between the Isle of Man Government and Douglas Borough Council.
The government's Town and Village Regeneration Fund will be investing in stone paving and "street furniture" and the council will provide all of the new lighting as well as some information points for visitors.
David Cretney MHK chairman of the Douglas Regeneration Committee said: "The various partners involved in the regeneration initiative in Douglas are very excited that this first project will be starting this summer.
"Although we had hoped to commence straight after TT this optimistic start date has been delayed because of some delivery problems with materials. Our main priority is to make sure that the works can be delivered as quickly as possible so that disruption to businesses and customers is minimised.
"I am pleased that the design team have now managed to come up with a programme that has cut several weeks off that originally anticipated so it is hoped that the scheme will be finished by early September.
"We have already learned some important lessons that will allow this first project and future phases to be delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible."
Council Leader David Christian said: "For several years the council has been working alongside government and the Chamber of Commerce to develop proposals that will raise the quality of the environment in Douglas town centre up to match the high expectations of the quality businesses based here and looking to invest in the Isle of Man.
"Councillors and our partners in government and the private sector are aware that Douglas, as the Island's main business centre, must present a high quality image if it is to continue to attract new business to the Isle of Man.
"Competition between jurisdictions to attract new investment is increasing and it will be very clear as the regenerated town centre appears that the Isle of Man really does mean business."
Subject to funding Lower Nelson Street will also be regenerated followed by Duke Street and Strand Street next year.
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Also see: Destination Douglas to start next week
