'Minimal disruption' during £1.6m car park revamp

Short-term disruption is to be expected during £1.6m refurbishment works at a car park in the Isle of Man's capital, a councillor has said.

The 45-week scheme at Shaws Brow car park in Douglas, which has 692 spaces, began on Monday and is scheduled to finish in January 2026.

The remedial works, which will see the phased suspension of some parking spaces, include "cladding and roof replacements" Douglas Council said.

Housing committee chairman Devon Watson said he believed any "temporary inconvenience" would be "be outweighed by the long-term benefits of the project".

The council have described the refurbishment as a "significant infrastructure investment", which aimed to enhance safety and improve the public's experience.

The programme will also see structural brickwork repairs and water ingress prevention measures, lighting upgrades, the replacement of timber doors with secure steel doors and other remedial works.

Work will begin on the Barrack Street elevation with temporary pavement closures and the suspension of 19 parking spaces.

Watson said the infrastructure was "essential" for many, including those who work in Douglas and shoppers, and that the council needed to "make sure it meets customer expectations".

The works would cause "some temporary inconvenience", but it would be carried out in a phased manner and regular updates on the restrictions would be provided, he said.

The works were designed to "ensure a safe and welcoming environment now and well into the future", Watson said.

"We are ensuring that our infrastructure can support the city's ongoing regeneration," he added.

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