\u00a33,036,170. That is how much it is expected that the re-extension of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal would cost according to the new business case which will be discussed at Tynwald later this month. The Department of Infrastructure had committed to preparing the business case earlier this year and after missing the deadline for the May sitting managed to get in for June with just half an hour to spare!<\/p>\n
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The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway last ran to the Sea Terminal in 2018 but during Prom redevelopment works this section was not renewed, despite the fact it had been given permission and funding. Cost overruns in the Prom redevelopment were to blame and so cash already promised to the trams went elsewhere. And since the tramway has only been able to run between Derby Castle and Villa Marina.<\/p>\n
However, there remained some political pressure to look at funding the extension again (which will not be a like for like replacement as it will be moved to the side of the road rather than in the centre) and this has finally led to this new business case.<\/p>\n
Of note the business case makes it clear that it will not directly make money but it should be considered in the wider heritage offering that the Isle of Man gives: \u201cThis business case does not seek to make a financial argument for this project; this investment does not make a return. It is, however, a case to fund a heritage tourist attraction. Rail tourism, as described in the 2024 Systra Report, forms a significant\u00a0part of the Island\u2019s economy and appeal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposal has two objectives:<\/p>\n
It is estimated that there would be 40 weeks work needed to install the tramway, but no work would start until at least 6 months after Tynwald Approval of the Financial Motion (so the earlier you could hope would be for a December start to work and then completion in September\/October 2027).<\/p>\n
The business case looks at three options:<\/p>\n
Option 3 is the recommended option of the business case. This is partly because it is estimated that passenger numbers on the tramway could more than double to 100,000 per annum and increase income from around \u00a344,000 to \u00a3135,000 each year.<\/p>\n
The business case will be discussed at Tynwald between 16th<\/sup> and 18th<\/sup> June.<\/p>\n The full business case can be read at https:\/\/www.tynwald.org.im\/spfile?file=\/business\/opqp\/sittings\/20212026\/2026-GD-0060.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a33,036,170. That is how much it is expected that the re-extension of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal would cost according to the new business case which will be discussed at Tynwald later this month. The Department … Continue reading