Permanent Access Road Opens for Braddan Community Centre

The “long awaited” access route to a new local authority community centre is now operational. This signifies the completion of the final construction phase for the £10m Roundhouse in Braddan, which commenced official operations in March. Its opening resolves a disagreement between Braddan Commissioners and the Department of Health and Social Care concerning temporary access through the Noble’s Hospital site. Centre manager Cassi McAllister expressed her “delight,” stating that the previous issues had been a “grey cloud hanging over us.” Ms McAllister added that the inauguration of the permanent access route would “clear up misconceptions” among the public regarding vehicular access to the facility. She noted that even during the period of temporary access provisions, certain individuals believed the centre was unreachable. Access to the Roundhouse is now available via Ballaoates Road, situated close to the intersection and miniature roundabout with Mount Rule Road. The provisional access route, located in the north-eastern section of the site adjacent to the hospital, has been shut down, and permanent barriers are scheduled for installation post-Christmas. Ms McAllister commented that despite the extended political process, the physical construction of the access road itself was accomplished in approximately 14 weeks. According to the commissioners, the definitive expenditures for the access road initiative have not yet been finalized, but are projected to be approximately £230,000. In early December, a permanent puffin crossing was established to facilitate secure pedestrian access to the facility. This crossing endeavor incurred a cost of £77,410 for the local authority, of which £20,000 was allocated for the provisional traffic lights that had served as a temporary arrangement since the centre’s inauguration. Further reports provided by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Readers are invited to connect with BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X, and to submit story suggestions to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.