'No assurances' on future of neglected tram site, says minister

The 1877 terrace of Victorian homes was built as part of the horse tram stable complex

There are "absolutely no assurances" over the future of a historical tram building in the Isle of Man's capital, the infrastructure minister has said.

Tim Crookall was quizzed in Tynwald over what work was being done to make Tramway Terrace safe.

The department back-tracked over plans to demolish the protected buildings in October last year.

Mr Crookall said the appointment of a conservation engineer was under way to review the site's condition.

The terrace of Victorian homes was built as part of the horse tram stable complex in 1877.

In November, a report carried out by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture ruled the site could be saved.

'Bottom line'

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) minister said since 2018 a total £115,947 had been spent on maintenance and scaffolding at the site.

Spending on maintenance at the site has risen each year, from £5,634 in 2018-2019 to a peak of £20,688 in 2022-2023.

While no money was spent on scaffolding in 2018, £17,560 has been on it in 2023-2024 to date.

Mr Crookall admitted the protected building had been "neglected" and the DOI was "guilty of not looking after it as well as we could".

However, he said teams were working to find a "satisfactory conclusion" before the start of the 2024 horse tram season.

"If that site is not fit for purpose and is not safe to enter then the horse trams won't run," Mr Crookall said.

He added: "I do not think that will be the case, but that's the bottom line."

No "visions for the site" could be put forward until the outcome of an inspector's report at the end of January, he said.

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