Another of those long-running sagas is that of the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade, which remains of interest to tram enthusiasts as it affects the future of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. As reported in depth previously on these pages the latest plans will see a double track tramway retained between Derby Castle and just north of the Broadway junction before it changes to single track through to the Sea Terminal. After months of discussion the official plans have now been submitted by the Department of Infrastructure with a view to starting work in September.
The work has previously been approved by members of Tynwald but now needs to go through the official planning process and it is not expected to be met with too many more hurdles to allow the much needed work to take place. The Prom has been a long standing concern with the infrastructure crumbling and this work will ensure it remains in good condition for many years to come.
If planning permission is given a contractor will then be appointed and a detailed construction plan drawn up. Up until then it is probably too early to say how the horse tram service will be affected but at some point over the next few years it is likely to see some disruption. Services are due to continue operating for the 2018 season until November so potentially there may be some change this year but that is still to be confirmed.