‘Destination Douglas’ is the theme for a strategy being led by Douglas Development Partnership, together with the Douglas local regeneration committee, to improve the centre of Douglas.

A series of events taking place through April will aim to to involve Island residents in regeneration plans for the capital, starting with a Destination Douglas exhibition at the Partnership’s office in Victoria Street from 6th - 23rd April (Monday to Friday, 12pm - 2pm).

Development manager Chris Pycroft explained, "The exhibition is an opportunity for the public to see the early ideas produced by the four teams commissioned to develop a design guide and four strategies -  lighting, information, greening and public art – for Douglas town centre.

"I think the design concepts the teams have come up with are very exciting, the result of much shared working and crossover activity to ensure there’s a cohesive approach to the regeneration project.

"The capital belongs to all Manx residents so during the exhibition we’ll be seeking people’s feedback and input so that once completed, the project will represent a community response to the regeneration of Douglas town centre."

In addition to the exhibition, workshops and an evening walking tour are planned for 14th and 15th April.  Discussion groups are also proposed where participants will be asked to bring an object or image – historical or contemporary – important to them that tells a story about Douglas.  More details and registration for the workshops will be available at the exhibition.

Mr Pycroft continued, "The design concepts we’ll be presenting during the exhibition are at a very early stage.

"Before we proceed further we want to sound out people’s views and test the overall design philosophy to check whether we’re moving in the right direction.

"There’s a huge responsibility on everyone involved to get it right – to create a townscape that’s distinctive and memorable, one that will endure for generations to come.

"What’s driving the teams’ thought processes is the Douglas 'brand' - how Douglas should represent the Isle of Man as its capital - and this will influence factors such as content, the overall design style, the choice of materials and colour palette.

"The regenerated town centre must be uniquely Douglas and uniquely Manx  - with an identity distinguished by a 'signature look and feel' that will encourage inbound investment and attract visitors to Destination Douglas."

If you are interested in participating in the workshops, you can register at the exhibition or contact Chris Pycroft - call (01624) 612022 or email cpycroft@douglas.org.im