A significant regeneration project to enhance the heart of Laxey village will get under way this week, with a scheduled completion date ahead of TT 2015.
 
The plans include the upgrading of pavements, improvements to the Rose Garden and Manx Electric Railway station and the creation of a village square outside Whitehouse Close and Whitehouse Building. High quality limestone and granite will be used to upgrade the public realm in sympathy with the Conservation Area.
 
The scheme focuses on improving pedestrian access within the village centre. A key aspect of this will be the provision of a new paved link to connect the MER station and the new square. This will include a combined stepped and ramped access, creating a safer and easier route for pedestrians.
 
The plans have been overseen by the Laxey Regeneration Committee and reflect the original public consultations which generated lots of feedback and a clear view that the MER station and Rose Garden should be enhanced and strengthened as the heart of the village.
 
The development of the scheme has been a partnership between the Regeneration Committee, Public Transport and the Commissioners. This has helped to ensure that appropriate street furniture and lighting is proposed to enhance the area.
 
This approach has already resulted in the Commissioners leading the review of options for benches in the MER Station. Public Transport is currently overseeing the restoration of the two timber kiosks and these will be returned to the station as part of the project.
 
Steve Rodan SHK, Chairman of the Laxey Regeneration Committee, said: ‘The implementation of the project is the culmination of several years of work by the Regeneration Committee, Public Transport, the Commissioners and volunteers from local businesses. Laxey has so much to offer but at present the condition and appearance of the public realm lets it down. This scheme will dramatically improve the centre of the village and will provide a high quality, well-connected focal point.’
 
He added: ‘I would like to thank all those involved in getting this project to this stage. By working together we will give Laxey a village centre that will continue to attract visitors for years to come.’
 
The Committee is now working to develop a uniform family of pedestrian signage to make it easier for visitors to navigate their way around the village.