Work to rejuvenate one of the Isle of Man’s main retail areas will start early next year.
Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK told the House of Keys this week that the next phase of the Lower Douglas Regeneration Scheme will focus on improvements to Castle Street.
The investment is aimed at supporting the Manx economy by continuing the award-winning work carried out in Strand Street and Regent Street.
The project team has started the design and consultation elements of the scheme and work is programmed to start on site in January 2018.
Minister Harmer said: ‘Enhancing the physical appearance of our towns and villages is absolutely key to maintaining the Island’s reputation as a special place to live and work. Providing a good quality environment can breathe new life into our commercial centres and help to stimulate fresh investment and jobs.’
He added: ‘The Castle Street scheme will create a brighter and more vibrant feel to the northern end of the high street in Douglas. The work will cause short-term disruption, but we will keep in regular contact with businesses to discuss their requirements and inform them of progress. The end result will give this area a lift and support Government’s efforts to reinvigorate the local economy.’
Castle Street still features the pink concrete paviours that were laid nearly 40 years ago. The surface looks tired and dated compared with the modern granite slabs and setts installed in recent years as part of the town centre regeneration.
The intention is to continue the design theme that has been successfully introduced in Strand Street and Regent Street. The same natural granite materials will be laid in Castle Street from Well Road Lane to St Thomas’ Walk.
The section from St Thomas’ Walk to Church Road Marina will be completed at a later date as part of the regeneration of Douglas Promenade.
The Castle Street scheme will involve a full reconstruction of the street, including the replacement and upgrading of public utilities, the installation of new lighting and street furniture and improved highway drainage.
Subject to approval by Treasury, work will start on site in January 2018. If the scheme progresses smoothly it should be completed by November 2018 ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.
The focus will then turn to proposed improvements in Duke Street.
