Controversial plans which would have seen the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway cut in length with the section between the Villa Marina and Sea Terminal abandoned have been narrowly rejected at Tynwald. However despite this vote it is not the end of the matter as it will go to another vote at January’s sitting.
As we have previously reported the Department of Infrastructure’s latest plan was to see double tracks laid in the centre of the road between Derby Castle and the Villa Marina (including a connection to the Manx Electric Railway). However although there would have been a “tramway corridor” provided from the Villa Marina to the Sea Terminal this would not have seen track laid initially although it would remain for possible future use.
These plans – which are part of the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade which has required attention for a number of years – were debated at the December sitting of Tynwald where a vote came out narrowly against the proposal. However despite this vote it doesn’t seem as if it is enough to defeat the plan completely as it will now go forward to Tynwald in January instead where presumably another vote will be taken.
Meanwhile the Department of Infrastructure have also submitted a planning application for a new temporary depot and stabling facility to be built on part of the former Summerland site adjacent to the Derby Castle terminus. This new facility would include space for tram sheds, stables, staff welfare facilities and parking.
It has been known for a while that Douglas Council were preparing to sell Summerhill stables with the horses being moved but it had originally been thought this would be at the current Strathallan Depot. However these latest plans seem to suggest that not only will the historic stables no longer be used in the future but the depot – which does need significant attention to bring it up to the required standard – is also set to be replaced. Presumably with the stables already up for sale it is hoped that this temporary facility will be approved and built in time for the start of the 2017 season.
2/3’s of a tramway will NOT survive, it will be relegAted to nothing other than a short demonstration line. All those who care ABOUT this priceless Manx institution should shout from the rooftops, MAKE the powers that be aware of your feelings. The very future of the tramway is at stake here, do not underestimate the threat. ACT NOW! The voices of visitors is VITAL.
It does seem that thinking on the Isle of Man is decades behind the UK mainland as to the value a heritage tramway! No appreciation that maybe visitors go to Douglas because of heritage attractions like this, get rid of them and there is precious little else there to warrant a trip.
It would be nice to think that the creation of a physical connection between the two lines at Derby Castle, as well as eventually allowing MER cars onto the promenade would also allow horse trams to proceed north from Derby Castle!
Of course here in the real world I would imagine that the gradient would prevent it.
Horse trams North of Derby Castle, is this bloke real. Of much more importance are horse trams south of Broadway.
We’ve had steam locos on the MER. We’ve had MER cars on the steam railway.
Yes this bloke is real – it’s just that he has a sense of humour!
Not to mention a 3ft gauge steam loco on the 3ft 6in Mountain line!! 🙂
I’m a professional equine photographer from the USA, who will be travelling to the UK this spring/summer 2017 to photograph a book on horses. I would love to visit and spend a few days in Douglas photographing your horse-drawn trams and exploring the town.
However, if the horse-drawn trams are no longer available, I probably would not make the effort to travel to the Isle of Man, but find somewhere else in the UK more convenient to visit that has a similar interesting equine attraction. Thanks for your time & best wishes from the USA.