Storm-damaged sunken gardens revamp plan approved

Plans to revamp a set of storm-damaged sunken gardens in the Isle of Man's capital have been approved.

Douglas Council submitted plans for the £1.4m project to improve and repair two of the marine gardens and Queen's Promenade gardens after they flooded during Storm Barra in 2021.

The proposals include a shipwreck-themed playground, a skatepark inspired by Manx artist Archibald Knox and newly-designed garden areas with seating.

Council leader Devon Watson said the authority was "thrilled" to get the permission and was aiming to complete the project in 2027.

It was "really important" that there were recreational spaces "where there is not the expectation that you directly pay at the point of use", he said.

The prom was the "entry point" to the island, and "investing in this part of the city is essential if we are going to live in a community that people come back to", he continued.

The council would now go to tender to try and get the best value petition to allow for loans and then commence the work to install the project, he said.

Last year, about 600 residents took part in public drop-in sessions and feedback questionnaires on the proposals.

Queen's Promenade gardens would see the installation of a new decked seating area, a water feature, play boulders and covered seating, while the beach huts and toilet block would be retained.

The council has previously said the spaces had been designed to "help mitigate" any future flooding, as work continues on sea defences on Douglas promenade.

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