Earlier this year it was said that the Department of Infrastructure would be submitting a business case for the re-extension of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal to be heard at Tynwald’s May sitting. Now it probably won’t surprise you to hear that this hasn’t happened but the good news is that it should now be ready for June.
Up until 2018 the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway ran from Derby Castle to the Sea Terminal on a double track alignment located in the centre of the road. During the Prom redevelopment the tracks were relaid (again in the centre of the road) between Derby Castle and Villa Marina but the section from there through to the Sea Terminal did not return.
It was approved on at least two occasions that track would be laid for the remainder of the route – albeit on a new alignment on the sea side of the road as a single track with passing loop – but this never happened. There were various issues with the redevelopment which led to cost overruns and previously allocated money for the tramway was no longer available.
The past few years have seen several suggested moves towards a resolution but things have then stalled, but it did appear earlier this year that there would finally be a move to seeing if (another) approval to extend the line (which is in its 150th anniversary year lets not forget) would finally go-ahead. Despite the latest delays it is still planned to present a business case to Tynwald, even if it is later than promised.
It seems that the latest delay is down to constructive feedback from the Treasury and Council of Ministers to a draft business case which has required work to revise it. It is now hoped that it will be submitted the updated proposal in mid-May with approval for a financial motion to come in front of Tynwald during their June sitting.
Reports suggest that the extension would cost under £2 million (an increase from previous plans – which would have been £750,000 – but this is put down to a rise in costs since the original proposal as well as additional work needed now that a surface has been put down on the alignment). The work would take 40 weeks to complete.
Following submission of the business case to the Treasury – which will include detailed design and feasibility studies – they will be in a position to make a recommendation on whether to approve and then it would be up to Tynwald to make a final decision.
I feel this is a really important proposal for the tramway community to.show support for. The loss of the horse tramway between the Sea Terminal and Villa Marina was in my opinion seriously regrettable and has removed the value of the horse tramway as a transport facility (as opposed to the existing and not wholly conveniently located short tourist ride), which I formerly used extensively when on the Isle of Man. The connection from.the Sea Terminal.to Derby Castle for Laxey, Ramsey and Snaefell was the most perfect heritage transport experience I have ever known, not to mention the scenic, unhurried ride along the promenade on one of the world’s most unique and delightful heritage transport survivors. I haven’t found myself visitimg the Isle of Man as much since the line was curtailed and it may be no.coincidence.
The horse tramway still weaves its tantalising magic, even in truncated form. We have friends on holiday on the Isle of Man at the moment and they unexpectedly parked their car up and used the heritage trams and trains instead. They were utterly captivated by the experience of the horse tramway. On my own last visit to the island I took a mobile phone call while on a horse tram and a fellow passenger, an older lady, objected. I was a bit irritated at first but then realised how much the lady was obviously enjoying her exoerience of the horse tram, and in fact how that showed how much they are valued, and in that we actually had something in common. There is no need to sell the horse trams to children and families – they are naturally attracted to them. My Northern Irish father-in-law, now 92, was equally fascinated by them and they certainly helped draw my wife back to.the island on many occasions. Magic.and priceless are words that come into.my mind. The staff are also very dedicated and the proud and loving atmosphere.in which they perform their unique work.is palpable. My wife and I hope to.be there to see them celebrate 150 years in August. This is certainly among the few heritage experiences that I rate as totally unique at international level and deserving of survival, and if the contribution to morale and mental.health in troubled modern times could be measured, they would probably be rated indispensable. For me, one of the best experiences the whole British Isles has to.offer.and I fully support their restoration over the whole route which has served so.outstsndingly for 149.yesrs.