M1

Policy M1 - Minerals Policy 1

te the area generally and vacant properties in particular to these operators.

VM3 Increase Activity Interface with the Colonnade and Villa Marina Gardens

This proposal is closely linked with VM1 and will be important to the success of the food/drink and other operators within the arcade. Increased activity should be generated through enhanced branding and marketing of the Arcade.

VM4 Programme Activity Calendar

Again, this proposal is closely linked to VM1 and will help to support the success of food/drink and other operators within the arcade.

Central Douglas Masterplan

The Promenade

Short Term

TP1 Temporary uses along the Promenade (i.e. pop-up cafes and galleries)

The Isle of Man Government owns the promenade and the area is used intensively during the TT. Temporary provision should be made for 'pop-up' cafes, bars, galleries, etc.

St Georges

Short Term

SG1 Residential infill has potential to add vitality to the area

There are a number of redundant sites and surface car parks in the St Georges area that offer development potential. A flexible approach to redevelopment should be adopted. A mix of new uses will add life and activity, but the short term demand for housing or commercial uses is uncertain. As the market for housing and commercial development in Douglas recovers, the Isle of Man Government should, through application of their planning and development management powers, encourage and facilitate redevelopment of these sites.

SG2 St George's Gateway Residential Development

The Peel Road Gateway particularly lends itself to residential development providing an attractive site to announce entry to the Central Douglas. Using their planning and development management powers the Isle of Man Government should encourage and facilitate redevelopment of the site for housing.

Long Term

SG3 Infill at Government Offices at Stanley Mount and other sites around the area

The Government Office site could be subject to infill development to accommodate increased staff numbers on this site (potentially from relocation). Such development will be delivered by the Government, potentially funded from the sale of surplus assets.

SG4 Additional car parking may be required as gap sites are developed.

A number of existing sites in the St Georges area are utilised for surface car parking. As the sites in this area are developed (and in tandem with growth of commercial activity in the Central Douglas area) a particular site may need to be identified to be developed for multi-storey car parking. There is likely to be potential commercial interest in such a development opportunity in the medium term pursuant with a growth of commercial activity in Central Douglas. The Isle of Man Government should continue to monitor parking demand in Central Douglas and, where demand necessitates, encourage and facilitate development of additional multi-storey car parking using their planning and development management powers.

Strand Street

Short Term

SS1 Re-clad and reorganise of retail units beneath Chester Street car park

The Isle of Man Government owns the Chester Street Car Park site and the retail units beneath it. The Government should work with retail occupiers to create larger retail units and a positive shop frontage to Market Street. Such development will provide retailers with more efficient and increased floor space and should, therefore, be attractive to them. Occupiers will pay more rent for larger retail units. The Government could use prudential borrowing to fund the development, repaying the borrowing from the increased rent return.

SS2 Significant new retail and residential developments on Villiers Square & 'AXA' site and new public space

The 'AXA' site is in private ownership and Villiers Square is owned by the Isle of Man Government. Previous attempts to redevelop the AXA site have stalled, although renewed attempts to bring this site forward are being made. The Government should work with the owners of the 'AXA' site to promote a significant new retail development. In the first instance the Government should explore potential collaboration with the 'AXA' site owners to understand their objectives and potential appetite to develop. If the Government cannot find common ground with the 'AXA' site owners, they should consider Compulsory Purchase of the 'AXA' site and the appointment of a development partner for the site. Through their planning and development management functions the Government should encourage and facilitate redevelopment of the site.

Long Term

SS3 Large scale units and new access created through demolition of selected strand street units (nos. 53-75) and development of new car park on the Market Street site.

This long term development project will require acquisition o