Peter Karran MHK raised a question in this morning's sitting of the House of Keys as to the total cost of professional services relating to the redesign of Douglas promenade over the last five years.

Fees of ?65,655 were applicable for Phase 1, with Phase 2, which was not inplemented, and as such the only part of the scheme which has had to be redesigned costing ?52,620 in professional services.

Minister Gawne confirmed that Phase 2 was not implemented at this request as he felt there "was a serious risk of a disjointed approach to the whole project." He went on to say. "Following extensive consultation, a design for the new layout of the promenade,
from the Bottleneck Car Park to Strathallan Crescent, was submitted for planning approval. The professional services fee related to this design is ?439,242 to date."

This latter sum covers the landscape design, the tram track design to date, the tram track design safety review and the design for the highway to date for the remainder of the entire scheme.

Therefore, the total cost of professional services for the Douglas Promenade for the last 5 years is ?557,517 or around 2.7% of the total redevelopment cost.