View sought on proposals to revamp marine gardens

The gardens were damaged after coastal overtopping caused by Storm Barra

Plans to redesign the sunken gardens on the Isle of Man's capital's seafront will be put on display for public feedback.

Representatives of Douglas Council will be available to discuss the initial designs to revamp the gardens on Saturday and Sunday.

The plans also include the replacement of a playground on the promenade, which was badly damaged during Storm Barra in 2021.

The council is looking to improve two of the Marine Gardens, and the Queen's Promenade Gardens as part of a £1.4m programme of repairs and refurbishment.

In 2021 the gardens were flooded during Storm Barra

A council spokesman said views were being sought on what equipment should feature in the new play area, including the possibility of facilities for wheeled sports.

Funding for the projects has been allocated in the council's capital programme and the authority has been working with professional designers to create initial plans for the play area.

Representatives will be holding two feedback sessions for members of the community to find out more about the current proposals and share their views.

The first will be at the beach huts during Douglas Beach Day from 10:00 to 15:00 BST on Saturday, with another chance at the same time the following day on on the corner of Duke and Regent Street in the town centre.

Specific sessions with stakeholders would also be held, the council spokesman said.

In a separate project by the Department of Infrastructure, flood defences are being installed along parts of the promenade walkway in a bid to protect the spaces from future damage.