Marine Gardens Redesign Proposals Expected in Spring

Proposals for the redevelopment of seafront sunken gardens, which sustained damage from storms in 2021, are anticipated to be submitted during the spring season. This follows two weekends of public consultation sessions organized by Douglas Council in August and September to solicit feedback on the proposed designs. The initiative aims to renovate two of the marine gardens and the Queen’s Promenade garden, forming part of a £1.4m repair program addressing damage inflicted by Storm Barra. Douglas Council leader Clare Wells stated that, having considered residents’ input, the authority is “now in a position to work up a detailed proposal” for submission to secure planning approval. Three distinct design options were developed for each of the three designated areas. Members of the public were invited to provide their opinions on these options during the two sessions held in the island’s capital, with approximately 300 individuals attending each event. Regarding marine garden four, the proposals include replacing a playground that suffered significant damage due to coastal overtopping. Feedback on the design highlighted that comfortable seating and a variety of inclusive play equipment were considered paramount by attendees. The council indicated that this specific area would be transformed to create an “adventurous, accessible, and imaginative playground all year-round.” For the adjacent bay, the designs primarily concentrated on the garden aspect, though features accommodating wheeled sports are also slated for advancement. This decision comes after differing opinions emerged regarding whether the area should be a linear play space or one specifically themed for wheeled sports. In Queen’s Promenade Gardens, concepts for a garden with a beach, maritime, or dune theme garnered “broad support,” according to the council. The chosen design will be a “subtle mix” of these three ideas and will incorporate an “element of water play for children.” However, the council noted that the presence of underground services beneath a section of the site implies these concepts “may need some scaling back.” Wells clarified that while the authority is not “responsible for the overall promenade refurbishment,” the council intends to “play our part to manage and maintain Douglas’ parks, play areas and open spaces to high standards.” The overarching objective is to “create a leisure and recreation space for the whole community” by fostering children’s play, offering weather shelters, and ensuring the preservation and restoration of gardens. For updates, follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Story ideas can also be sent to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.