Work is to get under way this week on a project aimed at enhancing Market Place in Ramsey.

The scheme represents the next phase in the regeneration of the town centre, which has so far resulted in improvements to the Courthouse area and Parliament Street. Planning permission has been obtained following a 21-day public consultation period.

The work will improve the setting for the large number of commercial operations located around the Market Place, in addition to nearby buildings which have significant architectural features. The footways will be constructed using easy-to-clean, high-quality granite pavers and will incorporate new planting areas, public seating and pedestrian direction signage.

Clearly defined, safe, accessible and convenient pedestrian routes will be created to the car parking in Market Place and through Market Place to the surrounding areas.

A total of 66 tarmac parking spaces will be retained within the Market Place. The spaces will be relocated from their current central position towards the Nightlife (western) side of Market Place. This will ensure safer access to the main town centre retail areas and the ability to use all, or sections, of this new car park for local community events when demand arises.

A new two-way main road will be constructed on the Royal Hotel (eastern) side of Market Place. This will simplify traffic routing, particularly to the important commercial harbour facilities, and improve coach/public transport access in Ramsey.

During the works it is intended to retain as much parking within the area as possible by carefully managing the construction process.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK, Chairman of the Ramsey Regeneration Committee, said: ‘The regeneration of Ramsey has been instrumental in attracting new investment to the town. This latest phase will further enhance the public realm and help to support the many businesses located around Market Place. The space will not only look much smarter but will create a safer, more usable car park with flexibility for events when needed.’

He added: ‘Planting, including trees will soften the area and the footway on the Royal Hotel (eastern) side of Market Place will be widened. This area provides opportunities for the adjacent premises to offer pavement cafe facilities to customers at a location which has the greatest exposure to sunlight and where the buildings offer shelter from the wind.’

Richard Radcliffe, Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, commented: ‘This project will see further improvements to the town which is already providing a much enhanced environment for residents and visitors. Throughout the works as much parking within Market Place itself will be retained, although it is inevitable that the works will bring inconvenience. It is worth pointing out however that Ramsey has benefitted from additional car parking, most recently at Albert Road where 69 spaces have been provided.’

The works are anticipated to be completed early in 2016.