Twp major regeneration projects are nearing completion as part of the multi-million pound drive to breathe fresh life into the Isle of Man’s commercial centres.
The redevelopment of ‘The Lanes’ in Ramsey and the upper section of Nelson Street in Douglas are the latest examples of the investment being made to reinvigorate local economies.
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The catalyst behind these two initiatives, and many others throughout the Island, has been the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, which was established by Chief Minister Tony Brown in April 2009 with funding of up to £8 million.
The Scheme is a collaborative approach aimed at bringing the buzz back to the Island’s high streets by helping retail areas to achieve their full potential.
A total of 68 projects in seven towns and villages have already benefited from funding, or have applied for grant assistance. Several more bids are in the pipeline.
Awards have been approved for a wide range of activities, from minor improvements to individual properties and parades of shops, through to larger scale schemes to create more vibrant commercial centres.
Work has included the painting and repair of shop facades, the installation of windows and canopies, and the provision of new street furniture, paving, public art and lighting.
The projects have been co-ordinated by Regional Regeneration Committees – partnerships between Government, local authorities and private enterprise – and influenced by public feedback via consultations and roadshows.
Each committee has been allocated funds to develop long-terms proposals to rejuvenate their areas, and regeneration zones and plans have been established in Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Castletown, Laxey, Port Erin and Port St Mary.
Highlights so far include the transformation of a derelict building on the Market Place in Peel into a new shop for the Manx Wildlife Trust, the refurbishment of the Heritage Shop in Laxey, a new shop front at the Bookstore in Douglas, and the erection of timber fencing and planted containers at the former Lord Street bus station site.
Chief Minister Tony Brown said: ‘Investing in our towns and villages is absolutely key to maintaining the Island’s position as an attractive place to invest in and to live in. The cash injection means that local authorities and businesses can attract more people to their area, boost local economic growth and bring the buzz back to their high streets.’
He added: ‘This is just the beginning. With up to £7m left to spend, immense changes are on the horizon for some of our towns and villages, changes that will not only enhance but also intensify the character, colour and identity of those places we call home.’
The recently completed projects in Ramsey and Douglas have provided a flavour of what can be achieved with the benefit of small to medium sized investment from the Regeneration Scheme.
The initial phase of activity in Ramsey has focused on improving ‘The Lanes’ leading from Parliament Street to the Quay. Future work will address traffic flow issues and the desire to create a vibrant centre for community use in the area around Market Place and St Paul’s Church.
Peter Whiteway, Ramsey Town Clerk and Chief Executive, said: ‘The work so far has concentrated on making The Lanes more attractive and providing better pedestrian access between the town centre and quayside businesses. Attention will now turn to the area around the Courthouse and Market Hill with the aim of making the town centre more attractive and appealing.’
The regeneration of Douglas has also started on a relatively small scale, with the rejuvenation of upper Nelson Street.
This has been a deliberate decision intended to showcase some of the building materials, paving slabs, street furniture and public art before work progresses on the central retail area in and around Strand Street.
David Cretney, Chairman of the Douglas Regeneration Committee, said: ‘The regeneration work in Nelson Street represents a small but positive step forward in our efforts to create a more vibrant, attractive and welcoming capital. Douglas is the main gateway to the Isle of Man, as well as its commercial heart and economic hub, so it is in all our interests to ensure a bright, prosperous and sustainable future for the capital.’
A number of larger scale projects are currently being progressed by each of the Regional Regeneration Committees, and residents should start to see some significant changes in the months ahead.
Regeneration Manager Linda McCauley, who coordinates the Fund and works closely with Government Departments, Local Authorities and the Regeneration Committees, said: ‘This money provides a real boost to town and village centres which are facing challenging times as a result of the retail downturn.’
She added: ‘Financially supporting local businesses and providing quality street surfaces means that local authorities can press ahead with their plans to use the new areas. An investment in our centres is an investment in economic growth and quality of life for all Islanders and I look forward to the next year which is set to bring about real long-term changes for centres across the Island.’
