Douglas Bay Horse Tramway season comes to an early end

Originally due to have been running until Sunday 29^th October, the 2023 operating season for the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway came to an abrupt end when it was announced on Wednesday 18^th October that only pre-booked trips would continue for the remainder of the year. The decision was made because of necessary building works – and it was later revealed that this would involve the demolition of the historic Tramway Terrace which sits in front of the stables.

With adverse weather having been around tram services didn’t actually run on 18^th October and so the last day of normal operation for 2023 was Sunday 15^th October (services don’t run Mondays/Tuesdays at this time of year) and at that stage nothing was publicly known that it could well be the end of another year of running – but that is how it turned out.

The Isle of Man Government purchased 1-3 Tramway Terrace along with the Summerhill Stables back in 2018 when they took control of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and since then have been carefully monitoring the condition of the building. This has also include some maintenance but despite this work more recent stormy weather led to an inspection which recommended the demolition of the building. This does only affect the buildings in front of the stables and not the stables themselves but will restrict access whilst it takes place.

As well as an internal inspection taking place, the Department of Infrastructure brought in external contractors to look at the state of the building who agreed with the recommendation that for safety the building needed to be removed.

Tim Crookall, Department of Infrastructure Minister, said: “The decision to demolish has been reached by taking into account specialist advice and the department is now looking for a firm to carry out the work straightaway. This development is, of course, regrettable due to the building’s age and relationship with the historic horse tram operation. I would add that the historic stable block to the rear of the building is unaffected by the demolition plan and is expected to remain in use for many years to come.”

With the announcement of the premature ending of the service for 2023 it was confirmed that the horse tramway – on its truncated route between Derby Castle and Villa Marina – has carried over 40,000 passengers.

It is planned that services will resume on Tuesday 26^th March 2024.

• The report due on the future of the heritage tramways and railways on the Isle of Man which has originally been due in September has yet to be completed. Its still expected to be released later this year.