Plan for emergency demolition of Victorian tram building in Douglas

The terrace was built with the stable complex in 1877

A terrace of Victorian homes built as part of the Isle of Man horse tram stable complex is set to undergo an emergency demolition.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) is seeking a contractor to bring down Tramway Terrace on Queens Promenade in Douglas for safety reasons.

The registered building was constructed as part of the complex in 1877.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said the stable block itself would not be affected by the demolition.

Tramway Terrace had been subject to repairs and other works in recent years to keep it watertight, a DOI spokesman said.

'Regrettable'

A recent structural assessment following a spell of bad weather found the building had deteriorated and would need to be demolished, a view which was backed by external consultants, he said.

Demolition would take place "as soon as a contractor is appointed", he confirmed.

Scaffolding has been put in place to help secure the building, while the adjacent public footpath and car park have been closed as a precaution.

The site was acquired by the government along with the stable complex from Douglas Council for £600,000 as part of plans to retain heritage infrastructure in 2018.

Mr Crookall said the demolition was "regrettable due to the building's age and relationship with the historic horse tram operation".

Concerns about the safety of the building have also led to a reduction in services on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway until the season finishes at the end of the month.

It means only pre-booked passengers will be able to travel on trams until 29 October.

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