Revised plans to redevelop Douglas promenade including the creation of a ‘cultural quarter’ by the Gaiety Theatre have been submitted – and as expected they include no provision for the horse trams.

The application (16/00379) is for the reconstruction of the highway and footpaths and creation of a low speed streetscape along Loch and Harris Promenades, and the creation of an area to provide seating, sculpture, lighting, display screens, bike storage areas, bus shelter and landscaping within Harris Promenade.

This latest application by the Department of Infrastructure follows the rejection of its earlier scheme (15/00594) that would have seen the horse trams relocated onto the promenade walkways.

The planning inspector ruled that out on safety grounds and his recommendation was upheld by the Council of Ministers.

The new application states: ‘The proposal does not includ any provision for tram lines. Should the long-term future of the horse trams be secured the intention is for the service to terminate opposite the Villa Marina Colonnade with a separate planning application being submitted to create this tram corridor.’

CoMin previously approved to two applications to improve the promenades. Phase one was completed. Phase two was never undertaken and was to have formed part of the broader works outlined in the now-rejected planning application.

The DoI says the scheme will ‘essentially provide much-needed improvement to a major section of the existing highway along the promenade’.

In the notes on drawings submitted as part of the application it said: ‘The Douglas Promenade improvement works have been developed on the basis of restoring both the prominence and prestige to the promenade as a place as opposed to solely a highway. This approach will achieve and promote the concept of interaction, courtesy and civility between both vehicles and pedestrians and once again give Douglas a promenade worthy of its status.’

In its latest planning statement it points out the independent inspector had considered the highways part of the scheme to be acceptable and should be welcomed.

It says it will seek approval for a further planning application for a second phase of highway reconstruction from the Villa Marina Colonnade to the Summer Hill junction.

The proposals for a cultural quarter aim to improve links across Church Street to Castle Street, enhance the public realm and landscaping in front of the Gaiety and Sefton Hotel, create shelter for pedestrians and celebrate the island’s unique selling points such as its history and the TT.

This would include stone-carved motorcycles and sidecars which the designers will says will be perfect for photo opportunities.

The plans have already received one objection on the basis that removing horse trams would be contrary to the conservation area policy.

Source: IOM Today