Marine gardens plans to be submitted in spring

Plans to redesign a set of seafront sunken gardens that were damaged by storms in 2021 are set to be submitted in the spring.

It follows two weekends of drop-in sessions hosted by Douglas Council to gather views on the proposals in August and September.

The project would refurbish two of the marine gardens and the Queen's Promenade garden as part of a £1.4m programme of repairs to damage caused by Storm Barra.

Council leader Clare Wells said, after listening to residents, the authority was "now in a position to work up a detailed proposal" to submit for planning approval.

Three possible designs were put created for each of the three areas and people were asked for their views on them during the two sessions held in the island's capital, which saw about 300 people attend each.

The proposals for marine garden four include the replacement of a playground that was badly damaged by coastal overtopping.

The feedback to the design had shown that comfortable seating and a range of inclusive play equipment were seen as most important to people.

The council said that area would be used to create an "adventurous, accessible, and imaginative playground all year-round".

For the neighbouring bay, designs focused on the garden element, with features that could be used for wheeled sports also included are set to be progressed.

That follows a split in opinion over whether it should be a linear play area or one themed for wheeled sports.

In Queen's Promenade Gardens, proposals for a beach, maritime or dune themed garden received "broad support", the council said.

The design taken forward would be a "subtle mix" of all three concepts and featured an "element of water play for children".

However, the presence of underground services beneath part of the site meant the ideas "may need some scaling back", the council said.

Wells said although the authority was not "responsible for the overall promenade refurbishment", the council wanted to "play our part to manage and maintain Douglas’ parks, play areas and open spaces to high standards".

The ambition was to "create a leisure and recreation space for the whole community" by encouraging play for children, providing shelters from the weather, and gardens that were preserved and restored.

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