Plans to transform sunken gardens submitted

Final plans to transform a set of seafront sunken gardens that were damaged in storms in 2021 have been submitted.

The £1.4m proposals by Douglas City Council would see two of the marine gardens and Queens' Promenade garden repaired after flooding caused by Storm Barra.

A marine-themed playground, a set of panels reflecting the work of Manx artist Archibald Knox, and newly-designed garden areas with seating have all been included in the plans.

Council leader Claire Wells said the gardens were the "gateway" to the island and the application reflected "the rich history and heritage of Douglas Bay".

The council hosted public drop-in sessions to gather views on the proposals last year.

About 600 residents took part, with 120 people giving their feedback to the council through questionnaires.

The plans include the replacement of a damaged playground in marine garden four with the new play equipment influenced by "the story of the Tower of Refuge" and the bay's seafaring history, a council spokesman said.

Wells said proposals for another of the sunken gardens had been "completely revised" because they "did not fully meet the expectations" of the public.

Instead, a new design aimed at young people that could be used "informally" for urban and wheeled sports had been put forward, the council spokesman said.

The plans were developed by ERZ Ltd Landscape Architects and submitted after being backed by the council's executive committee.

They had been designed to "help mitigate" any future flooding, as work continues on sea defences on Douglas promenade, the spokesman said.

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