Completion of Roundhouse Access Road Expected by Christmas

A local authority on the Isle of Man has announced that construction of an access road leading to its recently established Roundhouse community centre is scheduled for completion by Christmas. Braddan Commissioners required £230,000 for the access road’s provision, with funding secured through a 36% rate increase and the divestment of former office properties. Andrew Jessop, the Chair, additionally confirmed the selection of a contractor tasked with constructing the pedestrian crossing, a requirement stipulated by the planning approval. The £10m Roundhouse initiative faced complications stemming from disagreements with the health department regarding the necessity of an access road, prompted by worries about traffic volume in proximity to the Noble’s Hospital estate. Since the centre’s opening in March, temporary traffic lights have been operational, with the local authority covering their cost at £2,500 monthly. The estimated expenditure for the permanent crossing and associated lights falls within the range of £50,000 to £60,000. The Roundhouse project’s progression was contingent upon the installation of temporary lights and the new crossing, which were necessary to satisfy planning permission requirements. Mr Jessop stated: “I suppose on one level the road gives us control over our own access, so it removes the possibility of any disputes in the future.” Mr Jessop further commented: “We’re still hoping that we might be able sit down with whoever becomes the new health minister and have a sensible conversation about the additional cost that the department’s actions have created for Braddan ratepayers.” He added: “We’re looking at a cost of the best part of a quarter of a million pounds, to build a short stretch of roadway, which seems absolutely ridiculous.” Previously, the Department for Health and Social Care indicated that the choice to restrict road access through private hospital routes was attributed to the “safety of service users”.