The Department of Infrastructure will consider feedback generated during the planning process as part of its commitment to delivering the best possible scheme for the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade.
A planning application was submitted last week for the innovative new layout, which aims to create a sense of place that attracts people, investment and spending. The design also reflects the aspirations of the Central Douglas Masterplan, a bold vision for the future development of the Island’s capital that was approved by Tynwald in February.
The proposals for the Promenade incorporate a number of measures suggested by Manx residents and business owners during public consultations and exhibitions. Any further comments expressed in response to the planning application will be considered during the detailed design phase.
The Department is continuing to work with a range of stakeholders and has offered to meet representatives from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) UK. Minister Phil Gawne MHK has also outlined the plans for the shared use of the Promenade walkway during a meeting with people campaigning on behalf of leisure users.
Minister Gawne said: ‘The design for the refurbishment of Douglas Promenade has generated a huge amount of public interest. The response has generally been positive. People can see that we are trying to deliver a scheme that is exciting, inspiring and supports economic growth.’
He added: ‘The Department has listened carefully to people’s views. Agreeing to the demands of one specific group may be to the detriment of other Promenade users, so we are looking at the bigger picture and seeking to develop an amenity that can be enjoyed by everyone. I am confident this scheme will provide benefits for businesses, motorists, pedestrians and leisure users.’
It is accepted that significant capital investment to improve Douglas Promenade is urgently required, as the road continues to deteriorate, with the surface becoming uneven, patched and badly cracked. It has reached the end of its useful life, both as a highway and from an aesthetic viewpoint.
As well as reconstructing the failing highway, the redevelopment scheme is aimed at creating an asset that attracts people to the Promenade and town centre. The proposed layout also focuses on improving traffic flow and enhancing public safety by making motorists more responsive to their surroundings.
The plans incorporate many design features to assist visually impaired people, including greater contrast and texture in the kerbs and paving. Shorter and more frequent crossing points, combined with lower traffic speeds and increased driver awareness, are intended to benefit all pedestrians.
Minister Gawne said: ‘I understand that some campaign groups in the UK take a blanket approach to opposing any street designs that promote shared space concepts. I would encourage people to take a closer look at our plans, as we have worked in partnership with local organisations to make the Promenade scheme as inclusive as possible. The Department is willing to bring a UK representative from the RNIB to the Isle of Man to discuss the proposals in more detail and work together to allay some of the concerns that have been expressed.’
Minister Gawne last week met representatives from the Facebook group ‘keep cars and horse trams off the walkway’ to hear the views of those who use the walkway for walking, jogging and cycling.
The Minister said: ‘While the overall scheme already devotes significantly more space for pedestrians, the Department may consider some minor adaptions to the walkway as the detailed design develops.’
He added: ‘The proposed location of the single tram track has sparked a lot of debate, but the design team believes it can form part of a vibrant, living Promenade. Horse trams and electric trams operate safely in heavily pedestrianized tourist destinations such as Disneyland in California and Port Soller in Majorca, so there is no reason we cannot make this work in the Isle of Man.’
