Puffin Crossing for Community Centre Access Completed

A puffin crossing, installed to provide pedestrians with safer access to a new community centre, has been completed. This crossing was a requirement stipulated in the planning conditions for the £10m project. Braddan Commissioners stated that the crossing forms part of broader initiatives to enhance access to the Roundhouse. Since the centre’s opening in March, temporary traffic lights had been in operation, funded by the commissioners at a monthly cost of £2,500. The local authority reported that the entire project incurred a cost of £77,410, which included £20,000 in charges for the temporary solution. This development follows Braddan Commissioners’ need for an additional £230,000 to construct an access road. This requirement arose from concerns regarding traffic utilizing routes within the Noble’s Hospital estate. The necessary funds were raised through a 36% rate increase and the sale of the authority’s former offices. The local authority had previously confirmed that the new access road was scheduled for completion by 19 December. Chairman Andrew Jessopp commented that the preceding months had been “quite stressful for us,” noting that the authority had initially been “led to believe that a simple zebra crossing would be sufficient.” However, he added that the Department of Infrastructure subsequently clarified that a “more costly puffin crossing” would be necessary. He further stated, “Thankfully the building is open and growing from strength to strength with some fantastic events already been held and great plans for the future.”